Creating an estate plan is an important step in protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out. One of the most common questions I get from clients is: “How long does it take to make an estate plan?” Today, I’ll break down what you can expect.

The Timeline for an Estate Plan

The truth is, the time it takes to create an estate plan depends largely on you, the client. Your responsiveness and the completeness of the information you provide directly affect how quickly the plan can be drafted and finalized.

For most of our clients at CMS Law Firm, the process takes about four to six weeks. This includes:

• Gathering all necessary information about your assets and family situation

• Drafting the estate plan

• Reviewing the plan and asking any questions

• Finalizing the plan and preparing for signing

If clients move faster and provide their information promptly, we can often complete the process more quickly.

Why Our Process is Efficient

At CMS Law Firm, we pride ourselves on being highly organized and systematic. Our team uses streamlined processes to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Once your information is submitted, it’s queued and worked on efficiently—so you’re never left waiting unnecessarily.

Compare this to other firms, where the process can take four to six months or longer. Choosing an attorney with strong systems can make a significant difference in both speed and accuracy.

Key Takeaway

While the timeline for creating an estate plan can vary, most clients can expect a well-prepared plan in about a month or a month and a half. Your active participation and timely submission of information are critical to staying on schedule.

If you’re in Washington State and need help with estate planning or probate, you can set up a free consultation with us at cmsawfirm.com.