What Should an Estate Planning Intake Form Ask?
A practical guide to designing an estate planning intake form that collects useful information without creating unnecessary client friction.
Start With the End Goal
Before writing questions, ask what the lawyer needs to know before the first meaningful interaction.
Basic Client Information
Collect contact and jurisdiction information relevant to the firm’s process.
Family Information
Capture relevant relationships, spouse/partner, children, beneficiaries and dependants as appropriate.
Existing Estate Planning
Ask whether relevant documents already exist and need review or updating.
Asset Information
Collect the level of asset information the firm actually needs at intake.
Objectives
Give clients a way to explain what they are trying to accomplish in their own words.
Documents
Use the intake process to identify which supporting documents may be relevant, subject to the firm’s process.
Do Not Ask Questions Just Because You Can
If the answer does not change the next step, consider removing the question.
Structure Information for Automation
Use structured fields where workflow decisions matter; keep free text where client context matters.
What Happens After the Form?
Form submitted → information checked → missing items identified → documents requested → matter prepared → workflow triggered → lawyer notified.
Conclusion
The intake form is part of the legal workflow, not a standalone webpage element.