Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is the Estate Risk Scan, and what does it cost?

The Estate Risk Scan is a $750, 60–75 minute working session — not a free consultation and not a sales call. You leave with three written deliverables: an Estate Risk Summary of your exposures and gaps, a Family Tree diagram of your planning structure, and a Recommended Tier memo with scope and timeline. If you move forward with a plan within 90 days, the $750 is credited in full toward your engagement.

What should I have ready for the Estate Risk Scan?

A rough list of your assets (home value, account balances, business interests), your family structure (spouse, children and ages, any prior marriages), and any existing will or trust. If you own a business, your operating agreement is helpful. You don't need to be perfectly prepared — we guide you through what's relevant.

Can we do it remotely?

Yes — by video or phone, your preference, or in person by appointment.

What if I'm not sure which plan I need?

That is exactly what the Estate Risk Scan determines. We review your net worth, family situation, and goals, then recommend the tier that fits. You won't be pushed toward a larger package than you need.

The Plans

What are the plan tiers and prices?

Foundation Trust Plan — $4,950 (individual only). Essential Trust Plan — $5,750 individual / $6,250 couple. Integrated Trust Plan — $7,500 individual / $8,950 couple. Advanced Planning (business / complex families) — from $12,500. A limited Will-Based Plan (from $2,950) may be available upon qualification. See the Pricing page for full deliverables by tier.

What's the difference between the Essential and Integrated plans?

Essential covers straightforward-to-moderate families who want clarity and a complete document suite. Integrated is for deeper coordination — separate property, out-of-state real estate, blended-family drafting, or light entity coordination. Your Estate Risk Scan confirms which one fits.

Do we need a trust, or is a will enough?

It depends on your net worth, family complexity, and priorities. Simpler, lower-asset situations may be served by a will; families with meaningful assets, privacy needs, incapacity concerns, or blended structures are usually better served by a funded revocable trust. Our Trust vs. Will guide walks through the tradeoffs.

Is this DIY, or do I work with an attorney?

You work directly with Sean C. Lucas, Esq. This is not a software DIY platform — every plan is personally reviewed and prepared under his supervision. Fixed pricing simply makes attorney-quality work more accessible than open-ended hourly billing.

The Process

How long does the whole process take?

Most families complete planning in about three to four weeks from engagement to signed documents — plan design and drafting, a review meeting, then signing and your funding roadmap. More complex plans can take longer.

How many meetings are involved?

Typically two to three: the Estate Risk Scan, a design and review meeting, and a signing meeting (often virtual).

What is the funding roadmap?

"Funding" means retitling your assets into your trust's name so the trust actually owns them. Every plan includes a step-by-step roadmap showing which assets to retitle, how, and in what order. Without funding, a trust doesn't do its job.

Delaware-Specific

What does probate cost and how long does it take in Delaware?

Delaware probate commonly runs 4–8% of estate value and takes roughly 9–12 months, during which assets are frozen under court supervision. A funded revocable trust avoids probate for the assets it holds. See our Delaware Probate guide for the full picture.

Is there a Delaware inheritance or estate tax?

No state inheritance tax (eliminated in 1999) and no Delaware estate tax. Federal estate tax only applies above the federal exemption (currently $15M individual / $30M couple under current law), so most Delaware families are unaffected.

If we own property in multiple states, do we need multiple trusts?

No. A single Delaware revocable living trust can own out-of-state real estate and avoids "ancillary probate" in each state.

What happens if someone dies without a will or trust in Delaware?

Delaware's intestacy formula controls — generally the spouse receives the first $50,000 plus half of the balance, with children dividing the rest — and everything goes through probate. That formula often doesn't match a family's actual intentions.

After Your Plan

Do we need annual maintenance?

Not required — a revocable trust needs no annual filings while you're living. For families who want ongoing guidance and periodic reviews, we offer an opt-in Annual Plan Check-In ($1,000/year). It is never auto-enrolled.

What if our situation changes?

Your trust can be amended as life changes — a new child, marriage or divorce, a major purchase, or a move. We'll advise whether an amendment or a full restatement is the cleaner path.

What if we move out of Delaware?

Your Delaware trust remains valid and continues to work. If you relocate to a state with very different rules, a quick review with local counsel is wise, but the plan generally doesn't need to be rewritten.

About TrustYourEstate

Who is the attorney?

Sean C. Lucas, Esq. — admitted in New York, Florida, and Delaware, with fifteen years in practice and a background in private equity and multi-family office management. Every TrustYourEstate plan is prepared under his supervision.

How does TrustYourEstate relate to Sean's main firm?

TrustYourEstate is the fixed-fee, structured offering for Delaware families in the $750K–$5M range. Families with larger or more complex estates are served through Sean's full-service practice at sclucaslaw.com.

What if my situation is very complex?

The fixed-fee tiers cover standard to moderately complex planning. Very complex business interests, significant blended-family dynamics, international assets, or advanced tax planning are routed to the full-service firm for unlimited customization.

TrustYourEstate is a service of Sean C. Lucas, Esq.. Attorney Advertising. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.