This section asks for basic personal details that help us correctly prepare your estate planning documents. There’s no need for legal knowledge, and you don’t have to worry about getting everything perfect. Your estate planning professional will review your information with you before anything is finalized, and most details can be updated later if needed.
Why we ask for this information
Estate planning documents must clearly identify you to be legally valid and to avoid confusion. The information you provide here helps ensure your documents accurately reflect who you are, how the law applies to you, and how we should communicate with you throughout the process.
Relationship Status — What do these options mean?
We ask about relationship status because marriage and partnership can affect how estate planning laws apply to you. Choose the option that best matches your current legal situation.
- Single
You are not currently legally married.
- Married
You are currently legally married, including same-sex marriage.
- Not married, but in a committed relationship
You are not legally married, but you are in a long-term or committed relationship. This option also works for domestic partnerships.
- Widowed
Your spouse has passed away, and you have not remarried.
If you’re unsure which option fits best, choose the closest match. Your estate planning professional can help clarify or make adjustments later.
Spouse or Partner Information (if applicable)
Depending on your relationship status, you may be asked whether you would like to include information about another person in your planning details.
- If you are married, this will be your spouse.
- If you are not married but in a committed relationship, this will be your partner.
- If you are widowed, you may choose to include information about your deceased spouse.
Including this information helps your estate planning professional understand your family situation and prepare documents that reflect your wishes. In some cases it is required by law; in others, it is included because it provides important context. You will always be asked whether you want to include this person’s details. If you choose not to, you can skip this section and continue.
When entering information, please use the person’s full legal name as it appears on official records. A preferred name or nickname may also be included to help with communication and clarity.
If you’re unsure whether to include this information, choose the option that feels right for now. Your estate planning professional can discuss it with you and make changes later if needed.
Preferred Name and Pronouns
Your preferred name is how we will refer to you in explanations and communications. Your legal name will still be used where required by law. Preferred pronouns help us communicate respectfully and clearly; they do not affect the legal meaning or validity of your documents.
Date of Birth, Occupation, and Citizenship
Your date of birth is used to clearly identify you and confirm legal requirements. Occupation may appear as an identifying detail in some estate planning documents and does not affect taxes or benefits. Citizenship can matter for certain legal and tax rules, which is why we ask for it here. If any of these raise questions, your advisor can guide you.
Contact Information
Your email address is how we’ll send draft documents and important updates, so choose one you check regularly. A phone number is optional and may be used if your advisor needs to reach you directly.
Addresses
You may be asked to provide more than one type of address. This helps ensure documents, notices, and correspondence are handled correctly.
Home (residence) address
Your home or residence address is the physical location where you live and consider your permanent home. This is often the address used in estate planning documents and may reflect the state you consider your legal residence, such as the state where you file taxes or vote.
Mailing address (if different)
Your mailing address is where you receive mail or packages. This can be the same as your home address, or it can be different. For example, some people use a P.O. box, a seasonal address, or the address of a trusted friend or family member.
If you use a different mailing address, be sure it is a place where you reliably receive mail and where someone is willing to accept and forward mail to you if needed. It’s also important to keep your mailing address up to date with your legal and financial records.
Spouse or partner addresses
If you are married or in a committed relationship, you may be asked whether your spouse or partner has:
- A different home (residence) address, and/or
- A different mailing address
This information is only needed if their address is different from yours. If you share the same address, you do not need to enter it again.
Receiving Your Drafts
You can choose whether to receive draft documents by email, mail, or both. Most clients prefer email for convenience, but you can change this preference later if needed.