Question 1

What is estate planning?
什么是遗产规划？

Accepted Answer

Estate planning is simply the process of getting legal documents in place so that your chosen individuals are appointed to take care of you, your children, your assets, and your finances in the event of your death or incapacity. The process also involves naming the people you want to inherit your assets when you are gone. An “estate plan” is simply a bundle of all the documents needed to accomplish these objectives.

If you don’t currently have a will or trust, you may think you don’t have an estate plan…but you do. It’s just whatever your state of residence has written for you! All states have a default plan for your family and assets in the event of your incapacity or death. That’s the plan you have now. Estate planning is “opting out” of the default plan and putting your own wishes in place.

简单来说，遗产规划就是将法律文件准备好，以便在您去世或丧失行为能力时，由您指定的人来照顾您或您的子女、以及打理或继承您的资产。

如果您目前没有遗嘱或信托，您可能认为自己没有遗产规划，但实际上您是把自己规划的权利交给了您所在州的法律。所有州都有一个默认规划，但是大多数人都会对这个默认规划产生异议，这时，您就需要选择退出这个默认规划，制定一份真正符合您需求的遗产规划。

Question 2

Isn’t estate planning just for the wealthy?
遗产规划只是富人需要考虑的吗？

Accepted Answer

No. This is the biggest myth out there. Estate planning is in no way related to how much money you have, whether you are married, or whether or not you are a parent.

Estate planning involves putting legal documents in place that ensure your assets will go to the people you want, the way you want, when you are gone. It’s about making this as easy as possible on your loved ones during an otherwise difficult time. And we all care about that, no matter how much (or little) money we have.

It’s also about appointing people to manage your property and make health care decisions for you if you are incapacitated, something that matters to all of us regardless of wealth status.

这是人们对遗产规划最大的误解。遗产规划与您拥有多少钱、是否已婚以及是否有子女无关。

遗产规划的目的是在您离世时确保您的资产按照您希望的方式分配给您想要的人。我们所有人都关心这一点，无论我们是不是“有钱人”。

同时，遗产规划也涉及指定一个合适的人在您无行为能力时来管理您的财产、为您做出医疗决定。这对我们所有人来说都很重要。

Question 3

I’m not married – do I need an estate plan?
单身的我需要遗产规划吗？

Accepted Answer

Yes! In some ways, you need estate planning MORE than married folks. Many non-married individuals want to leave their money to charities and friends, not their closest living relative. Unfortunately, if you die without getting this in writing, your estate could end up in the hands of that distant cousin you’ve met twice. And it’s important for everyone to have a Health Care Proxy and Financial Power of Attorney.

是的！在一定程度上，您可能比已婚人士更需要遗产规划。许多未婚人士可能希望将他们的财产做婚前分离，或者留给慈善机构和朋友，而不是最近的亲属。如果您没有将这些意愿书面化，您的遗产可能会落入您只曾见过两次的远房亲戚手中。此外，对每个人来说，拥有医疗授权书和财务授权书都非常重要。

Question 4

What is the process of getting my estate plan set up by Koa Law?
遗产规划的一般流程是怎么样的？

Accepted Answer

We have an easy, 4-step process designed to have your estate planning documents created and signed in 6-8 weeks.

The first step is to attend your Peace of Mind Consultation via Zoom. You’ll fill out a secure online questionnaire (“Estate Planning Questionnaire”) before we meet so we can make the best use of our time together. At this Zoom session, you’ll learn all about your options and our flat fees. When you are ready to move forward, we’ll email you an engagement letter and invoice, both of which can be executed online.

Next is your Estate Plan Design Meeting. We’ll roll up our sleeves and design your trust and other estate planning documents, working off the information you provided in your Estate Planning Questionnaire.

After this session, we’ll draft your documents, and send a copy for your review about two weeks later. We’ll then make any changes or updates you’d like to make. We offer an optional Document Review Meeting should you wish to discuss your documents live.

When everything is good to go, we’ll coordinate an in-person Signing Ceremony. Your Signing Ceremony is where you’ll sign your documents with the proper legal formalities, in front of two witnesses and a notary.

我们的流程分为四个简单的步骤，让您在6-8周内即可创建完成信托和其他遗产规划文件。

首次咨询：我们的律师团队将会和您安排一次时长为一小时的在线会议（付费咨询）。如果您后续决定签约，咨询费可以全部抵扣在签约费用中。会前，您会收到一份详细的调查问卷，方便您提供您的个人/家庭情况、需求和目标。会上，我们会根据您填写的信息，为您和家人量身定制一份家庭资产传承规划，包括您是否适合做遗嘱或者信托，具体的实施方案，以及每种方案的优缺点。我们还会给您解释我们的服务费用。如果您决定和我们合作，我们将在会后给您提供法律服务委托书和收费单据。

遗产规划设计会议：签约之后，您需要在我们的网站上预约和我们的第二次会议。我们将根据您在调查问卷中提供的信息设计您的信托和其他遗产规划文件。会后，我们将起草您的文件，并在大约两周后发送一份初稿供您审阅。

文件审阅会议：如果您对遗产规划文件初稿有很多问题或修改意见，您可以预约第三次会议与我们讨论。会后，我们将会按照您的需求，对文件进行更改。

签署仪式：您的遗嘱或者信托的签署仪式将会按照法律的要求由本人出席在线下进行。您将在两名证人和一名公证人面前签署文件，使之正式发生法律效力。签约仪式可在我们位于Lower East Side（New York ）或Newport（Jersey City）的办公室进行。

Question 5

What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Consultation?
首次咨询会议都包括哪些内容？

Accepted Answer

Our attorneys will listen without interrupting and make sure you fully understand your options before making any decisions! It’s very important to us that you feel heard and have your questions answered. We’ll also review our process, flat fees, and overall client experience so you know exactly what you are getting and what the investment will be.

我们的律师会倾听您的需求，并确保您在做出任何决定之前充分了解您所有的选项。我们还会介绍我们的工作流程和收费标准，以便您准确了解您会收获哪些服务。

Question 6

Can we have a quick call before booking the Peace of Mind Consultation?
在预订首次付费咨询之前，我们能否先进行一次快速通话？

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are happy to have a quick, complimentary call before your schedule your Peace of Mind Consultation. We do not discuss fees outside the Peace of Mind Consultation, but we are happy to answer any basic questions you may have.

我们很乐意在首次会议之前进行一次十分钟以内的通话。但请注意，我们只能在此次通话中回答一些简单的基本问题（服务流程、服务方式等），并不会讨论服务费用的问题。

Question 7

How much does estate planning cost?
遗产规划的费用是多少？

Accepted Answer

It depends! Estate planning is not one size fits all, so it’s hard for us to give you a quote without knowing more about you. Even if you believe your situation is relatively simple, there are likely nuances you are not considering. We discuss our fees and process at length in the Peace of Mind Consultation, after we have counseled you on all your options. We do not discuss our fees outside the Peace of Mind Consultation.

We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney, and that estate planning is a significant investment for many. It is our goal to be as transparent and fair as possible. For that reason, we offer flat fees as opposed to billing by the hour, so you know exactly what your investment will be.

Finally, we will only recommend planning with us if the amount you would save by doing an estate plan is greater than our fee.

遗产规划是按照每个家庭的不同需求制定的，所以我们很难在不了解您的情况下给出一个准确报价。即使您认为自己的情况相对简单，也可能存在您没有考虑到的情况。在我们的首次咨询会议上，我们将详细讨论我们的费用和流程。

我们理解费用是选择律师的重要因素。对于许多人来说，遗产规划是一项重大的投资。我们希望尽可能地做到计费的透明和公平，所以我们只收取一次性的固定费用，而非按小时计费。

最后，我们的目标是能够通过专业的法律服务为客户节省处理遗产的开销。如果不能达到这个目标，我们不会推荐您选择我们的服务。

Question 8

What kind of clients do you accept?
你们的律所接受什么样的客户？

Accepted Answer

We take on a limited clientele each month so we can offer a high level of service to each family. We work with people who value our advice and are seeking a long-term working relationship. If you are looking for the cheapest attorney you can find, do not want to devote time to learning about and understanding your options, or do not feel comfortable completing the Estate Planning Questionnaire before our session, we are not the right law firm for you.

我们每个月只接受有限数量的客户，这样我们才能保证为每个家庭提供高水平的服务。我们选择与那些重视我们专业建议的人合作，并且希望和我们的客户保持长期的合作关系。如果您的目标是寻找最便宜的律师，并不愿花时间了解您的选择，或者在我们的首次咨询会议之前不愿意填写问卷，那我们可能不是最适合您的律师。

Question 9

What kind of information do you need from me?
我需要提供什么样的信息？

Accepted Answer

Let us start by saying what we do NOT need! We do NOT need account statements, social security numbers, or tax returns. We DO need information on what kind of assets you own, their relative value, and how they are titled.

Beyond that, we simply need answers to questions about your personal estate planning preferences, including:
Who you would want raising your minor children if something happened to you and your spouse or partner
Who you want to be in charge of your children’s money until they are old enough to mange it themselves
Who you want making medical and financial decisions for you in the event of your incapacity

Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to these questions right away! You’ll have plenty of time to think things over throughout the process.

我们不需要银行流水单、社保号或税表。我们需要的关键信息包括您拥有的资产类型（房屋、退休账户、人寿保险等）、大概价值以及所有权形式（共同所有、个人所有等）。

除此之外，我们还需要了解您对个人遗产规划的具体意愿，包括：
如果您和您的配偶或伴侣发生了意外，您希望谁来抚养您的未成年子女
在您的孩子们可以自行理财之前，您希望谁来负责管理他们的资金
如果您丧失行为能力，您希望谁为您作出医疗和财务决策

如果目前您对这些问题还没有答案，不用担心！在整个遗产规划流程中，您将有足够的时间考虑这些问题。

Question 10

What if I need to update my estate planning documents?
如果我未来需要修改我的遗产规划文件怎么办？

Accepted Answer

No problem! A Revocable Living Trust can be changed or revoked entirely as long as the creator is alive and has mental capacity to do so. Any guardians for minor children can also be changed through an amendment to your Pour-Over Will.

All other estate planning documents (Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, etc.) are typically recreated as it is more cost-effective.

The main point is that your documents can (and probably will be) updated as your life, your assets, and the law all change.

没问题！只要设立者在世并且具有行为能力，就可以对可撤销生前信托进行更改或完全撤销。您也可以为未成年子女指定新的监护人。

对于其他遗产规划文件（授权委托书、医疗授权书等），重新起草通常会更有效率。

您的法律文件会随着您的生活、您的资产和法律的变化而变化，所以我们建议您定时审阅并按需更新。

Question 11

Can’t I just get a DIY estate plan on LegalZoom?
我可以直接使用网络上的遗嘱/信托模板吗？

Accepted Answer

You can. Keep in mind that LegalZoom and law firms are two different things. They provide two different services. This is why the cost is different. LegalZoom offers form documents you fill out and execute yourself. They are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. An attorney, on the other hand, counsels you and gives you legal advice based on your specific circumstances. They will customize your documents, ensure they are signed with the proper formalities, and pick up the phone when you call with questions. If these things are important to you, you should work with an attorney. If they are not, LegalZoom may be a better option.

可以。但请注意，模板网站鱼龙混杂，和律师事务所提供的服务大有不同，这也是二者费用不同的原因。模板网站不是律师事务所，也不可以提供法律咨询。一位专业的律师会根据您的具体情况定制您的法律文件，确保以适当的法律形式签署，并在您有困惑时回答您的问题。如果这些对您很重要，您应该与一位专业律师合作。如果这些都不重要，您当然可以选择使用网上的模板。

Question 12

How do I nominate legal guardians for my children?
我如何才能为我的孩子任命法定监护人？

Accepted Answer

You nominate legal guardians in a Will, or a Pour-Over Will that goes along with your Revocable Living Trust. If you pass away without nominating guardians, a judge will make the decision for you. You also run the risk that family members will fight over who gets custody because you didn’t make your preference clear.

Our firm goes the extra mile and helps you nominate short-term guardians to care for your children in the interim while the long-term guardians are appointed. And did you know you can “confidentially exclude” people you would never want raising your children no matter what? We can help with that!

无论你选择设立遗嘱还是信托，在文件中都可以提名监护人。如果您去世前没有提名监护人，法官将替您做出决定。如果您的家属都在海外的话，孩子有可能会被法官送去政府福利机构，或者您还可能面临着家庭成员争夺监护权的情况，这些都是我们不愿意看到的。

如果您的家属都在海外，我们可以在您的遗产规划中帮助您任命“临时监护人”。在长期监护人尚未到任（如需要额外的时间办理签证，从海外飞来美国等）期间照顾您的孩子。我们甚至可以加入一些“秘密条款”，来规避某些人来争夺您孩子的监护权的风险。

Question 13

Do you work with families in all 50 states?
你们的律所可以为美国所有50个州的家庭服务吗？

Accepted Answer

Estate planning is an area of law that is state-specific. That means you should work with an attorney licensed in the state in which you reside. Our attorneys are licensed in New York and New Jersey. If you live in one of those states, we can prepare your estate planning documents. If you reside elsewhere, we can still assist you through our network of partner attorneys across the country. Please contact us via WeChat or email to discuss your needs further.

遗产规划受各州法律管辖，所以您应该与在您居住的州执业的律师进行合作。Koa Law有纽约和新泽西两个州的律师执照。如果您居住在纽约或者新泽西，我们可以为您准备遗产规划文件。如果您居住在其他地方，我们仍然可以通过我们在全美范围内的合作律师为您提供帮助。请通过微信或电子邮件联系我们，以进一步讨论您的需求。

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning? 什么是遗产规划？

Isn’t estate planning just for the wealthy? 遗产规划只是富人需要考虑的吗？

I’m not married – do I need an estate plan? 单身的我需要遗产规划吗？

What is the process of getting my estate plan set up by Koa Law? 遗产规划的一般流程是怎么样的？

What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Consultation? 首次咨询会议都包括哪些内容？

Can we have a quick call before booking the Peace of Mind Consultation? 在预订首次付费咨询之前，我们能否先进行一次快速通话？

How much does estate planning cost? 遗产规划的费用是多少？

What kind of clients do you accept? 你们的律所接受什么样的客户？

What kind of information do you need from me? 我需要提供什么样的信息？

What if I need to update my estate planning documents? 如果我未来需要修改我的遗产规划文件怎么办？

Can’t I just get a DIY estate plan on LegalZoom? 我可以直接使用网络上的遗嘱/信托模板吗？

How do I nominate legal guardians for my children? 我如何才能为我的孩子任命法定监护人？

Do you work with families in all 50 states? 你们的律所可以为美国所有50个州的家庭服务吗？

Have more questions?