Frequently Asked Questions
I was a client of Coulter & May, P.C. Is May, Johns, & Harkins, P.C. the same firm?
Yes. May, Johns, & Harkins, P.C. is the successor to Coulter & May, P.C. While our name has changed, our commitment to providing personalized estate planning and estate administration services remains the same.
If your estate plan was prepared by Coulter & May, P.C., there is no need to have your documents updated simply because the firm's name has changed. Your estate planning documents remain valid, and our attorneys have access to your file and are available to assist you with questions, updates, or future planning needs.
We are honored to continue serving the families who have placed their trust in our firm for generations.
How do I get started with estate planning?
Getting started is easy. Contact our office to schedule a no-commitment initial consultation. Before your meeting, we'll provide a brief questionnaire to help us understand your family, assets, and estate planning goals.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your objectives, answer your questions, explain your options, and recommend a plan tailored to your specific needs.
What should I bring to my estate planning consultation?
You do not need to gather every financial document before meeting with us. In most cases, we recommend bringing:
- Any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other estate planning documents.
- A general list of your assets and approximate values, if available.
- Information about your family members and intended beneficiaries.
- Any questions or concerns you would like to discuss.
If additional information is needed after your consultation, we will let you know exactly what is required.
What should I bring to my estate administration consultation?
You do not need to gather every document before your first meeting. Our goal is to help you get oriented and understand the next steps in the administration process.
If available, please bring:
- The original will and any codicils
- A copy of the death certificate (if already issued)
- A list of known assets, including bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and real estate
- Any recent account statements or financial paperwork you have been able to locate
- Information about insurance policies (life insurance, if applicable)
- A list of known debts, bills, or ongoing expenses
- Any prior correspondence you have received from financial institutions, insurance companies, or government agencies
- A list of family members and potential beneficiaries
If you do not have all of this information yet, do not worry—we will help you identify what is needed and guide you through the process step by step.
How long does the estate planning process take?
Most estate plans are completed within 4-6 weeks after the initial consultation.
The timeline depends on the complexity of your planning goals, how quickly requested information is provided, and scheduling availability for your signing appointment.
How long does estate administration take after someone passes away?
Every estate is different.
The length of estate administration depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the estate, whether real estate must be sold, tax matters, creditor claims, beneficiary issues, and court requirements.
Some estates can be completed within several months, while others may take a year or longer. Throughout the process, we guide clients through each step and keep them informed of important developments.
Will I receive a draft of my estate planning documents before signing?
Generally, we do not provide draft copies of estate planning documents before the signing appointment.
Estate planning documents contain legal terminology and are intended to be reviewed as a complete plan. Reviewing drafts without the benefit of an attorney's explanation often creates unnecessary confusion or concern.
Instead, before your documents are finalized, we provide a confirmation page that allows you to verify the spelling of names, family information, and the order of the individuals you have selected to serve in fiduciary roles, such as executor, trustee, and agent under your powers of attorney.
At your signing appointment, we review each document with you, explain its purpose and key provisions, answer your questions, and ensure you are comfortable with your plan before signing.
Can I receive an electronic copy of my estate planning documents?
Yes. We can provide an electronic PDF copy of your signed estate planning documents upon request. Because preparing, scanning, and securely delivering digital copies requires additional staff time, a nominal administrative fee may apply.
Most clients leave our office with their original signed estate planning documents, which should be stored in a safe place. If you would like a digital copy for your records or to share with your financial advisor or other professionals, simply let us know.
Who should I contact if I have questions after my estate plan is signed?
We're always happy to assist our clients after their estate plans are completed.
If you have questions about your estate planning documents or experience a significant life change—such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, retirement, the death of a loved one, or a substantial change in your assets—please contact our office. One of our experienced paralegals will be your first point of contact and can answer many questions or gather the information needed for one of our attorneys to review your matter. We’ll make sure your question is promptly directed to the appropriate attorney.
Our team approach allows us to respond efficiently while ensuring you receive the guidance you need.
Do you offer estate plan signings outside of your office?
Yes. We understand that some clients may be unable to travel due to health concerns, mobility limitations, or other circumstances.
When appropriate, we can arrange signings at a client's home, hospital, nursing facility, or another suitable location. Additional fees may apply depending on the location and circumstances.
What happened to Mark Coulter?
Attorney Mark T. Coulter founded the firm and has dedicated most of his career to helping individuals and families with estate planning and estate administration. Today, he serves the firm in an Of Counsel role, where he continues to provide guidance and share the knowledge and experience he has gained over decades of practice.
His commitment to personalized service, thoughtful planning, and exceptional client care continues to shape our firm's approach. Our attorneys proudly carry on that tradition while helping clients protect their families, preserve their legacies, and navigate life's legal transitions.
When should I return my asset information for a trust-based plan?
If your estate plan includes a trust, please return your completed asset worksheet as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks before your scheduled signing appointment. This helps ensure we have adequate time to properly prepare your documents and address any funding or beneficiary designation considerations prior to signing.
I’m an existing trust client, what is the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for my trust?
The Tax Identification Number (TIN) for your trust depends on the type of trust you have. In some cases, the trust uses the Grantor's Social Security number. In other cases, the trust has its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
To determine which number applies to your trust, please refer to your Certification of Trust. This document identifies the correct Tax Identification Number for your trust and can be provided to banks, financial institutions, and other organizations when needed.
If you are unable to locate your Certification of Trust or have questions about your trust's Tax Identification Number, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
My home is owned by my trust. Can I sell it?
Yes. In most cases, your home can be sold even if it is titled in your trust. If your home is listed for sale, simply provide your real estate agent and the title company or closing attorney with a copy of your Certification of Trust. They will use that document to prepare the deed and other closing documents correctly.
If you are purchasing another home after the sale, be sure to advise your real estate agent and closing attorney that you would like the new property titled in the name of your trust. This helps ensure your estate plan continues to work as intended and may avoid the need for additional transfers later.
If your home is owned by a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) or another irrevocable trust, or if you have questions about how the sale may affect your estate plan or Medicaid planning, please contact our office before closing so we can determine whether any additional planning or documentation is needed.
Do I need a trust or just a will?
The answer depends on your individual circumstances and goals. A will is an important estate planning document that allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and nominate guardians for minor children. However, a will generally must go through probate before assets can be distributed.
A revocable living trust can offer additional benefits, such as avoiding probate for assets titled in the trust, providing for easier management of your assets if you become incapacitated, and offering greater privacy since trusts generally are not filed with the court. For some individuals and families, a will is all that is needed. For others, a trust may provide significant advantages.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your assets, family situation, and objectives to help you determine which approach best meets your needs. Our recommendations are based on what is best for your particular circumstances—not a one-size-fits-all solution.