PROBATE / ESTATE PLANNING PARALEGAL at Anthony D George Jr Esq

PROBATE / ESTATE PLANNING PARALEGAL The Probate / Estate Planning Paralegal helps the attorney with Guardianship or Estate Planning matters from the beginning of the matter to the close of the file.  Although some items may be delegated, you are ultimately responsible for helping the attorney move a matter forward.  As the Probate / Estate Planning Paralegal, you have the opportunity to help people during a difficult time. Documents that are generally handled in Estate Planning are: Trusts, Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Designation of Health Care Surrogates and Deed. . The Estate Planning process helps people put their assets in order and compile their wishes for family members before their passing. The Probate process is one that helps clients navigate the court system after a loss. It is imperative that we treat these people with kindness and compassion as they go through the difficult time. New Client and New MattersInitial general probate/estate planning intake will be handled by the paralegal. Potential client intakes range from calls, emails, or walk-ins.Calendar ResponsibilitiesKeep up to date with all probate and estate planning matters and calendar any deadlinesSet appointments for estate planning signingsDraft documents and/or correspondence for attorney review and finalization.Assist the attorney in moving items, tasks, and needs to completionFile MaintenanceManage court filings and recordings pertaining to probate and follow internal procedures such asSave files and records to the appropriate folder and renaming with more detail.Learning to use Simplifile for E-Recordings (ex. Deeds, Affidavit of Continuous Marriage)You are responsible for keeping the digital file for any probate or estate planning matter up to date, organized and easy for anyone to access information (emails, letters, drafts of documents, finalized documents, etc.)Contact list should be up to date with current phone, email and address for clients and any other party involvedKeep Matters Moving Forward.Ensure the attorney is aware of any tasks that need to be handled in each matterAssist other paralegals with other practice areas as needed.Assist attorneys in drafting, proofreading, and editing Estate Planning documents.CommunicationsThe following allows all staff and attorneys to reference should an issue arise while you are unavailable:Keep a correspondence folder in the matter updated with current emails and/or letters regarding the case.Keep pdfs of calendar meeting notes.Work with the attorney on how to keep clients informed of the status.Open communication with other paralegals and staff members regarding your cases when appropriate.Meetings and Phone ConferencesSchedule and prep for all appointments involving probate / estate planning mattersWhen scheduling appointments, include in the calendar event:Documents the attorney will need to reference during the appointmentAny notes or emails that will reference how the appointment was madePhone number information for phone conferences (Conference number and pin #)Emails that pertain to the matterWork with the finance manager to draft invoices for the attorney to reviewHave a folder ready for the appointmentPrint and include any documents the attorney will need to reference during the appointment or any documents that will need to be signed.Be ready to brief the attorney prior to any probate / estate planning meetingAfter all probate / estate planning meetingsFollow up with the attorney to find out what was discussed and ensure it is carried out: implementation, follow through, closing out, rep agreement, new matter(s), invoicing, copying and mailing, etc. BillingEnter any billable time into the billing software CLIO for the file on an ongoing basisKeep track of any unusual expenses, fees, excessive conferences, phone calls, emails, etc.  for invoicingWork with the attorney and finance manager to ensure the invoices are accurateClosing a File/MatterThis step is crucial to ensure there aren’t additional items that need addressing, the client is aware the matter is concluded, our firm is paid and the file contains all the information in case it is needed in the future.Closing pleadings filed with the courtWork with finance manager and attorney on any unpaid invoices as to how to handle (email reminder, letter from attorney, etc.)  recblid fuyf7et6y3o3mjj55zz25qz1a0fb40