--- title: "The Easy Button for Estate Planning: How to Add Estate Planning to Your Firm Using Resources You Already Have (w/ Katie Noles of AEP) | EncorEstate Plans Blog" description: Katie Noles, CEP® of Advisors EP shares how she implements estate planning using fpPathfinder and EncorEstate Plans, along with her tips and insights for getting estate planning up and running quickly at any firm. image: https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Katie%20Noles%20fpPathfinder%20Easy%20Button%20Webinar%20Takeaways%20Featured%20Image.jpg --- [![EncorEstate Plans](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/encore-blog/images/logo.svg)](https://www.encorestateplans.com) [About](https://www.encorestateplans.com/about) [Product](https://www.encorestateplans.com/#features) [Pricing](https://www.encorestateplans.com/pricing) Resources [ROI Calculator Calculate your estate planning savings](https://www.encorestateplans.com/roi-calculator) [Customer Stories See how advisors succeed with Encore](https://www.encorestateplans.com/customer-stories) [Contact Sales Get in touch with our team](https://www.encorestateplans.com/contact) [Podcast Listen to estate planning insights](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZTIWDej8FgPK6bojU9K4TKZBhMv3R1Si) [Blog Latest articles and news](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/) [Sign In](https://app.encorestateplans.com/login) [Book a Conversation](https://encorestateplans.com/demo) Menu [About](https://www.encorestateplans.com/about) [Product](https://www.encorestateplans.com/#features) [Pricing](https://www.encorestateplans.com/pricing) Resources [ROI Calculator](https://www.encorestateplans.com/roi-calculator) [Customer Stories](https://www.encorestateplans.com/customer-stories) [Contact Sales](https://www.encorestateplans.com/contact) [Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZTIWDej8FgPK6bojU9K4TKZBhMv3R1Si) [Blog](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/) [Book a Conversation](https://encorestateplans.com/demo) [Get Your Free Account](https://app.encorestateplans.com/signup) [Already have an account? Sign in](https://app.encorestateplans.com/login) [Webinar](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/tag/webinar) # The Easy Button for Estate Planning: How to Add Estate Planning to Your Firm Using Resources You Already Have (w/ Katie Noles of AEP) ![](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Encore-Brand-Logo.png) Encore Team January 24, 2025 17 min read ## Contents In this article: - [Watch the Webinar Recording](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#Watch-Webinar-Recording) - [Addressing Procrastination in Estate Planning](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#Addressing-Procrastination-Estate-Planning) - [How To Make Estate Planning a Repeatable Revenue Driver for Your Firm](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#How-To-Make-Estate-Planning-Repeatable-Revenue) - [The Benefits of Streamlining Financial and Estate Planning](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#Benefits-of-Streamlining-Financial-Estate-Planning) - [How Advisors are Protected While Doing Estate Planning](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#How-Advisors-Protected-While-Doing-Estate-Planning) - [Best Practices and Tools for Scaling Estate Planning](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#Best-Practices-Tools-for-Scaling-Estate-Planning) - [Options for Implementing Estate Planning If You Need Help](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/easy-button-estate-planning#Options-for-Implementing-Estate-Planning) Katie Noles, CEP® (Advisors EP) shares how she implements estate planning using fpPathfinder and EncorEstate Plans, along with her tips and insights for getting estate planning up and running quickly at any firm. #### Watch the Webinar Recording   #### Addressing Procrastination in Estate Planning 67% of Americans don’t have an estate plan, and many plans are outdated. Financial advisors can make a significant impact by guiding clients toward creating or updating these documents. Clients are 2X as likely to implement estate plans when recommended by their financial advisor. According to Katie: > "Clients are craving convenience, expertise, and clear communication from their advisors –and estate planning is a way to deliver that. Remember this: you're their advisor, so advise them. There is nothing wrong with pointing out the glaringly obvious fact that they need an estate plan." That's what this webinar and guide is about. In our latest partner spotlight webinar, Michael Lecours (Advisor and Founder at fpPathfinder) and Matt Morris (CEO of EncorEstate Plans) asked Katie to share her experiences implementing estate planning at her past firm. Here are the takeaways: #### How To Make Estate Planning a Repeatable Revenue Driver for Your Firm Katie breaks it down into this three-step workflow: ##### Step 1: Focus on Current Clients The best clients who would benefit from estate planning are your current clients. Regardless of their age, *everyone* should have an estate plan. To help narrow your focus down, Katie points out that clients who are over 60-years-old might already be thinking about estate planning or dealing with aging parents. Another way you can begin teeing up your estate planning service is to ask each of your current clients: 1. Is your estate plan up-to-date? 2. May I see your plan? This creates a "compelling moment" AND an opportunity to really close the loop on clients' financial plans. You can easily bring this up in advance of your next client meeting, and create a forcing function that allows both you and your clients to review their plans together. ##### Step 2: Make It Interactive and Involve the Clients at Every Step Assigning clients homework in advance of your meetings is a good practice (whether they complete it or not is a different story 😂) that helps set the table for your conversation. You can use fpPathfinder's estate planning checklists and share with clients in advance: - For clients who DON'T have a plan: [What Should I Consider Before Creating My Estate Plan](https://www.fppathfinder.com/members/guides/guide/what-issues-should-i-consider-when-creating-my-estate-plan) - For clients who need to UPDATE their plan: [What Should I Consider Before Creating My Estate Plan](https://www.fppathfinder.com/members/guides/guide/what-issues-should-i-consider-before-i-update-my-estate-plan) Using checklists like these will lead to more meaningful conversations. Katie adds: > "The more I can make it a redirect of information ('So once you finish this, we're now moving on to this') the quicker the process is and the easier it is for clients because it’s fresh in their head." And, using questionnaires (like the white-labeled ones here from Encore) during your meeting with clients will keep them focused and motivated to get their estate plans done with you: - For clients who DON'T have a plan: [Questionnaires for a New Trust-Based Estate Plan](https://help.encorestateplans.com/en/articles/8551636-questionnaires-for-a-new-trust-based-estate-plan) - For clients who need to UPDATE their plan: [Review Plan Questionnaire (in advance of your meeting)](https://help.encorestateplans.com/en/articles/8551687-review-meeting-questionnaire) Lastly, this [Estate Planning Conversation Starter from fpPathfinder and EncorEstate Plans](https://www.fppathfinder.com/shared-links/6793fc23c5ab3) will help you broach the subject of estate planning: ![fpPathfinder and EncorEstate Plans Estate Planning Conversation Starter](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fpPathfinder%20and%20EncorEstate%20Plans%20Estate%20Planning%20Conversation%20Starter.png?width=795&height=613&name=fpPathfinder%20and%20EncorEstate%20Plans%20Estate%20Planning%20Conversation%20Starter.png) Related: [fpPathfinder's Improving Estate Planning Conversations Hub](https://www.fppathfinder.com/improving-estate-planning-conversations/) ##### Step 3: Tee Up the Referral Revenue Pathways As you may have noticed, Steps 1 and 2 are things that you can easily (and should!) integrate as part of your client review meetings. During these meetings, check estate plan documents for: - Funding updates (key to uncovering assets previously held away). - Beneficiary designations (they could become future clients whom you should ask for the referral). - Ownership clarifications (also key for mapping out and understanding additional assets). - Successor trustees (key for future referrals and retaining your clients' wealth long-term). - Heirs (the benefit is similar to beneficiary designations). Checking all of these will strengthen your relationships with clients, ensure continuity in financial management, and give you a roadmap to future clients and expanding AUM.   #### The Benefits of Streamlining Financial and Estate Planning Services By leveraging fpPathfinder and EncorEstate Plans, advisors can offer estate planning services that are: - Time-efficient: Tools reduce manual tasks and streamline workflows. - Client-focused: Both platforms provide intuitive, customizable solutions. - Cost-effective: Avoid excessive subscription fees or client costs. Both fpPathfinder and Encore streamline both the financial and estate planning processes, saving advisors time and ensuring client satisfaction. And if you aren't already, automate everything as much as possible. CRM integrations, pre-built guides, and vendor templates (like those in the [EncorEstate Plans Knowledge Base](https://help.encorestateplans.com/en/)) to reduce manual efforts, allowing for better focus on client interactions. When it comes to creating a truly comprehensive plan for clients, Katie said it best  > "One without the other is not comprehensive planning. Estate plans and financial plans must talk to each other because that is what creates a complete picture for the client." At risk of stating the obvious, advisors must talk to their clients about both! Related: [3 Steps to Avoid Unauthorized Practice of Law + Examples](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/avoid-unauthorized-practice-law?utm_source=encoreblog&utm_content=howtostartestateplanninganchortext3stepsavoidupl)   #### How Advisors are Protected While Doing Estate Planning  One way both Encore and fpPathfinder help protect advisors is through our vetted client-facing templates and resources (they're white-labeled and downloadable). Encore also has guides for advisors on [how to avoid unauthorized practice of law (UPL)](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/avoid-unauthorized-practice-law), in addition to disclosure forms where clients have to attest to the accuracy of their entries. And within the Encore platform, there are client disqualification questions that advisors should use with each client to help identify estate planning situations that require specialized legal services. As Katie has said time and time again: > "When in doubt, refer it out."   #### Best Practices and Tools for Scaling Estate Planning As you can probably tell by now, getting estate planning going at your firm isn't difficult. But, it takes time and elbow grease to stand up. Having done exactly this at her previous firm, here are Katie's best practices and tool recommendations for scaling estate planning: - Use structured workflows (like the Three-Step workflow above) to maintain quality service without overextending staff. - Educate clients with comparison tools for trusts and wills (like [Encore's trust vs will quiz](https://help.encorestateplans.com/en/articles/8594123-quiz-will-vs-trust) or [trust vs will comparison chart](https://help.encorestateplans.com/en/articles/8551642-will-vs-trust-comparison-chart)) to simplify decision-making. - Proactively schedule regular plan reviews every three years or after significant life changes. For tools, Katie prefers low-cost, easy to use options like Encore and fpPathfinder (as you saw from the webinar, she's a power user). Here's a quick refresher on both tools: ##### fpPathfinder - Why Katie Likes Them fpPathfinder offers interactive checklists, flowcharts, and guides to help advisors educate clients and gather necessary information seamlessly. They also integrate nicely into just about any and every workflow advisors might have.   ##### EncorEstate Plans - Why Katie Likes Them EncorEstate Plans provides: - Attorney-quality documents at a fraction of the price. - White-glove support (at no extra cost!) from a dedicated team of estate planners. - Deed services end-to-end: preparation, recording, and research. > "Encore and fpPathfinder are definitely intuitive. Both have the best support systems possible, and I really can’t say enough about the level of support that I get from them."   #### Options for Implementing Estate Planning If You Need Help With pay-as-you-go pricing (no subscription lock-ins, unless you want to buy in bulk with an annual subscription), Encore will help your clients complete their estate plans. Whether you need Estate Plan Review, State-specific Document Creation, or Deed Preparation + Filing, we have everything you need to make sure your clients' estate plans are done and properly funded. You can [help clients create their estate plan with Encore](https://app.encorestateplans.com/signup?utm_source=encoreblogpost&utm_content=easybuttonwebinar). Or, if you'd like to outsource estate planning implementation, then consider signing up for this webinar: "[Estate Planning on Autopilot: Reaping the Rewards Without the Work or Worry](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3617377597200/WN_zprkQmlPQiWA5IPsgEl7Bw)."   ![](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Encore-Brand-Logo.png) Encore Team Encore makes estate planning easy for advisors and keeps advisors at the center of it all. ### Book a Conversation See how EncorEstate can help your firm add estate planning services. [Schedule a Demo](https://encorestateplans.com/demo) ### Stay Updated Get the latest estate planning insights delivered to your inbox. Subscribe ## Keep Learning [![EncorEstate Plans and Financially Empowered teach you how to better retain your female clients through estate planning](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/How%20To%20Better%20Retain%20Female%20Clients%20and%20Grow%20Your%20Advisory%20Business%20-%20Financially%20Empowered%20EncorEstate%20Plans%20Workshop%20Takeaways.jpg)](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-better-retain-female-clients-grow-your-ria) Webinar ### [How to Better Retain Female Clients and Grow Your RIA: 2025 Guide with Linda Sherman of Financially Empowered](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-better-retain-female-clients-grow-your-ria) ![](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Encore-Brand-Logo.png) Encore Team · August 05, 2025 [![EncorEstate Plans and Money Quotient teach you how to get your clients to stop procrastinating on their estate plans.](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Money%20Quotient%20EncorEstate%20Plans%20Webinar%20Webinar%20Takeaways%20Featured%20Image.jpg)](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-get-clients-stop-procrastinating-estate-plan) Webinar ### [How To Get Clients to Stop Procrastinating on Estate Plans: 2025 Guide with Derek Hagen of Money Quotient](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-get-clients-stop-procrastinating-estate-plan) ![](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Encore-Brand-Logo.png) Encore Team · May 30, 2025 [![In this EncorEstate Plans webinar, Eric Negron of Forefront Wealth Partners shares his system for deepening client relationships in choppy markets.](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Asset-Map%20Eric%20Negron%20Legacy%20Letter%20Webinar%20Takeaways%20Featured%20Image.jpg)](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-deepen-trust-grow-revenue-choppy-markets) Webinar ### [How to Deepen Trust and Grow Your Revenue in Choppy Markets (w/ Eric Negron of Forefront Wealth Partners)](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/how-to-deepen-trust-grow-revenue-choppy-markets) ![](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/Encore-Brand-Logo.png) Encore Team · May 19, 2025 [![EncorEstate Plans](https://blog.encorestateplans.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/encore-blog/images/logo-light.svg)](https://www.encorestateplans.com) Estate planning software and deed filing service for financial advisors. 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