Most estate attorneys offer a flat fee for core documents, but that fee typically does not include combing through each investment or bank account to verify ownership, titling, and beneficiary designations. That’s where a financial professional adds value as a first step—so you arrive at your attorney meeting confident that your accounts are accurate and summarized for easy evaluation while the attorney determines the best legal documents for your situation.
What a financial-first review covers
Current account inventory: IRAs, 401(k)s/403(b)s, taxable brokerage, bank accounts, HSAs, CDs, annuities, pensions, cash value life insurance.
Ownership & titling: individual, joint with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, trust-owned, or TOD/POD.
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Beneficiary designations: primary/contingent names, allocation percentages, per stirpes/per capita where appropriate.
Estate coordination: how accounts and beneficiary designations interact with your will or revocable living trust.
Insurance & protection: life, disability, and long-term care coverage; policy owners and beneficiaries.
Real assets & business interests: real estate deeds, LLC/partnership interests, buy-sell agreements, and succession considerations.
Digital access & instructions: password manager, digital assets, and where key documents are stored.
Common mismatches we look for (and fix)
Beneficiaries on retirement account inconsistencies
Old employers or ex-spouses listed as beneficiaries due to life changes.
Joint-titled accounts unintentionally disinheriting children.
Accounts never retitled to the trust (or TOD/POD not added).
Annuities or life insurance with outdated or missing contingent beneficiaries.
Business interests or real estate not aligned.
Your Attorney-Ready Prep Packet (what we produce)
Our deliverable is a concise, attorney-friendly packet that makes their job easier and your outcomes clearer:
One-page estate snapshot (ownership, beneficiaries, special notes).
Account-by-account table showing titling, primary/contingent beneficiaries, and intended flow.
Issues list and recommendations to discuss with your attorney.
Family contact sheet and decision-maker roles (POA/healthcare agents).
What to bring to your financial review
Latest statements for each account (PDF or paper).
Policy statements for insurance and annuities.
Real estate deeds and recent property statements.
Business documents (operating agreements, buy-sell, cap tables).
Existing estate documents (will, trust, POAs, healthcare directives).
How Genesis Wealth Management coordinates with your attorney
We’re independent and partnered with a team of CFP® professionals. We organize your financial picture, align titles and beneficiaries with your goals, and create an attorney-ready summary. Your attorney determines the appropriate legal documents with a clear, accurate financial roadmap in hand.
We do not provide legal or tax advice—we coordinate with your attorney and CPA, so everything works together.
Next step
Contact Bill Kinkel to request the Attorney-Ready Prep Packet and schedule a 30-minute call or Webex meeting: 618-368-6800 | Offices: Alton & Bethalto | Email: bill@genesisfg.com
Disclosures: All content is for information purposes only. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Genesis Wealth Management Group, LLC and our editorial staff. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Investment advisory services offered through Genesis Wealth Management Group, LLC. Estate planning documents should be prepared by a licensed attorney. Consult your attorney and tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
