Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions commonly asked by clients when they first contact Mense Law Firm, LLC. We hope you find these answers helpful.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 636-456-2345 or visit our Contact Us page. For more information about specific services, please refer to our our What We Do page.

WHY CHOOSE MENSE LAW FIRM, LLC?

At Mense Law Firm, LLC, we place a strong emphasis on truly listening to our clients. Understanding your goals, concerns, and unique circumstances is the foundation of everything we do.

We work collaboratively with you and your family to identify and implement the best solutions for your specific needs. Our process begins with a thorough, one-on-one discussion to fully understand your situation. From there, we guide you through your available options, ensuring you are informed and empowered to make confident decisions.

Our commitment is to provide honest, thoughtful advice—always in your best interest. If we believe that another option or professional may better serve your needs, we will tell you. Our goal is not simply to take on cases, but to provide meaningful help and trusted guidance.

That commitment defines who we are and what we value.

WHAT OTHER AREAS OF LAW DO YOU HANDLE?

Our firm concentrates exclusively on Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, and closely related areas, including probate, trust administration, and business succession planning. We remain intentionally focused and do not divert our attention to matters outside of these practice areas.

While many attorneys handle a broad range of legal issues, we believe clients are best served by working with counsel who has dedicated experience in their specific area of need. Just as you would not consult a heart surgeon to perform brain surgery, it is important to choose an attorney with the knowledge and expertise to address your particular situation.

At Mense Law Firm, LLC, we focus on what we do best—Estate Planning and Long-Term Care Planning—so we can provide informed, effective, and personalized guidance to every client.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

During your initial appointment, you can expect to spend approximately one to two hours discussing your situation. The length of the meeting will vary depending on the complexity of your circumstances and the number of questions you may have.

Developing an estate plan or long-term care plan requires thoughtful consideration. Our goal is to gain a thorough understanding of your needs, priorities, and concerns so we can provide the most appropriate guidance.

WHAT PAPERS SHOULD YOU BRING?

The more information you can provide about your situation, the better equipped we will be to work with you in developing a plan tailored to your needs.

Your assets play an important role in determining the most effective estate planning strategy. It is also essential for us to understand your wishes regarding both your assets and your future healthcare.

To assist in this process, it is helpful to bring documents such as deeds, prior wills or trusts, and a list of your assets along with approximate values.

However, bringing these documents is not required. If you have a general understanding of your assets and how you wish to be cared for as you age, we can still begin identifying the appropriate direction for your plan.

SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR SPOUSE?

Yes. If you are married and your spouse is able to attend, we strongly encourage their participation.

Your spouse plays an integral role in the estate planning process, and their involvement helps ensure that your plan reflects shared goals and priorities.

You are also welcome to bring an adult child or other trusted loved one. Estate and long-term care planning often impact the entire family, and including those you trust can be beneficial. Please note, however, that we may ask accompanying individuals to step out briefly while we explain the attorney-client relationship and other confidential matters.

I HAVE HEARD “EVERYONE NEEDS A TRUST” - IS THIS TRUE?

In short, no—not everyone needs a trust.

Every situation is unique. While a trust may be an appropriate solution in some cases, it can also be unnecessary in others. Additionally, there are many different types of trusts, and not all are suitable for every individual or family.

At Mense Law Firm, LLC, we stay current with evolving estate planning laws so we can provide informed guidance tailored to your needs. In some cases, a trust may be recommended; in others, it may not be the best option.

Certain circumstances—such as concerns about long-term care costs, blended families, or caring for a disabled loved one—may make a trust more appropriate. We will help you evaluate what is right for your specific situation.

WHAT ABOUT USING A SIMPLE WILL?

If you have been advised that a simple will is sufficient, it may reflect a one-size-fits-all approach. Estate planning and long-term care planning are complex and continually evolving areas of law, and not all practitioners focus on these fields.

While some estates are relatively straightforward, that does not automatically mean a will is the best solution. Although a will may have a lower upfront cost, it can often result in higher overall expenses due to probate and administrative processes.

That said, there are situations where a will is necessary—for example, when naming a guardian for minor children.

It is important to work with an attorney who has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the available options and help you make informed decisions.

WHAT DO YOU CHARGE?

The cost of estate planning and long-term care planning varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Unlike services with standardized pricing, legal planning requires a customized approach.

We take the time to educate you on your available options, outlining the advantages and considerations of each. You remain in control of the decisions—we provide the guidance to help you choose what is best for you.

We are committed to recommending only the services you truly need. Providing unnecessary solutions would not serve your best interests and would undermine the trust we work hard to build. Our reputation is important to us, and we are dedicated to serving our clients with integrity for the long term.

Mense Law Firm, LLC strives to be your attorney for life—and your family’s trusted legal resource for generations.

Mense Law Firm wants to be your Attorney for life, and your family’s Attorney for life.

If we have not answered your questions, please call us at 636-456-2345 or Contact Us. For more information about specific services, such as “What is a Trust?” please see our What We Do page.