Estate planning isn’t just about wills and trusts—it’s about ensuring that every financial detail already reflects your intentions before you even sit down with your attorney. That’s where a financial alignment review comes in.

Most estate attorneys offer a flat fee for legal documents, but that fee typically doesn’t include reviewing every account, investment, and beneficiary. Partnering first with a financial professional means you arrive at your attorney meeting prepared—with accurate, up-to-date account details and clear summaries that make your attorney’s work more efficient and your outcomes more precise.

What a Financial-First Review Covers

Before legal documents can do their job, the financial foundation must be correct. A financial alignment review ensures that every title, beneficiary, and account aligns with your estate goals.

Here’s what it includes:

  • Current account inventory: IRAs, 401(k)s/403(b)s, taxable brokerage accounts, bank accounts, HSAs, CDs, annuities, pensions, and cash-value life insurance.

  • Ownership & titling: Individual, joint with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, trust-owned, or TOD/POD structures.

  • Beneficiary designations: Primary and contingent names, allocation percentages, and per stirpes or per capita designations.

  • Estate coordination: How your accounts and beneficiary designations interact with your will or revocable living trust.

  • Insurance & protection: Life, disability, and long-term care coverage—plus who owns the policy and who benefits.

  • Real assets & business interests: Real estate deeds, LLC or partnership interests, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning.

  • Digital access: Password manager, online accounts, and instructions for where key documents are stored.

Common Mismatches We Find (and Fix)

Even with the best intentions, misalignments happen. Some of the most common issues include:

  • Outdated beneficiaries on retirement accounts.

  • Ex-spouses or old employers still listed after life changes.

  • Joint-titled accounts unintentionally disinheriting children.

  • Accounts not yet retitled into a trust or lacking TOD/POD designations.

  • Life insurance or annuities missing contingent beneficiaries.

  • Business assets not coordinated with the estate plan.

These gaps can cause delays, confusion, and even unintended disinheritance—issues easily avoided with a simple review.

Your Attorney-Ready Prep Packet

When Genesis Wealth Management Group completes your financial alignment review, you receive an Attorney-Ready Prep Packet designed to make your next legal meeting efficient and productive:

  • A one-page estate snapshot (ownership, beneficiaries, and special notes).

  • Account-by-account table showing titling and intended flow.

  • An issues list and recommendations to discuss with your attorney.

  • Family contact sheet and decision-maker roles (POA/healthcare agents).

What to Bring to Your Review

To make the process smooth, gather these materials before your appointment:

  • Most recent account statements.

  • Policy documents for insurance and annuities.

  • Real estate deeds and property statements.

  • Business documents (operating agreements, buy-sell, or cap tables).

  • Existing estate documents (will, trust, POAs, and healthcare directives).

How We Coordinate with Your Attorney

We’re independent and partnered with a team of CFP® professionals. Our role is to ensure your financial details are organized, accurate, and aligned with your goals before the legal drafting begins.

Your attorney then determines the right documents—knowing the financial roadmap is complete. Genesis Wealth Management Group doesn’t provide legal or tax advice but works closely with your attorney and CPA so every piece fits together.

Next Step

Ready to simplify your estate plan and save hours at the attorney’s office?
Contact Bill Kinkel to request the Attorney-Ready Prep Packet and schedule a 30-minute conversation.

📞 618-368-6800 | Offices: Alton & Bethalto
✉️ bill@genesisfg.com

Disclosure

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 or 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.