Frequently Asked Questions
At SageVault, we know planning for the future—or stepping into the role of executor—comes with a lot of questions. Here are answers to the most common ones families ask us.
Jump to one of these categories:
General Questions
What is SageVault?
SageVault helps families prepare for and navigate the complex responsibilities of estate settlement and legacy planning. We provide structured guidance, tools, and compassionate support so you can move forward with clarity and confidence—not confusion and chaos.
Do you replace an attorney or financial advisor?
No. We complement legal and financial professionals. Our role is to prepare you, organize key details, and bridge communication so your time with attorneys and advisors is more efficient (and less expensive).
Who do you work with?
We support:
- Individuals preparing their will, trust, or legacy plan.
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Executors or Powers of Attorney (POAs) who need help understanding and managing their role.
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Families navigating difficult conversations or preventing conflict during planning.
Executor & Power of Attorney FAQs
What does an executor actually do?
An executor is responsible for managing the estate after someone passes away. This includes paying debts, filing taxes, securing property, handling real estate, and distributing assets to heirs. On average, it takes 570+ hours to settle an estate.
I was just named executor—what should I do first?
Start by:
Securing important documents (will, insurance policies, financial accounts).
Protecting property (locks, mail forwarding, utilities).
Ordering multiple certified copies of the death certificate.
Our Executor packages gives you a personalized roadmap to avoid early mistakes.
How long does it take to settle an estate?
Most estates take 12–18 months to fully settle, depending on complexity, state laws, and family dynamics. With structure and guidance, the process can be smoother and significantly less stressful.
Can you help if I’m already in the middle of the process?
Yes. We offer a variety of packages (and custom ones too!) that meet your where you are and help you organize, catch up on missed steps, and avoid costly delays.
Planning & Legacy FAQs
Do I need both a will and a trust?
A will outlines who inherits your assets and who cares for minor children. A trust can help avoid probate, streamline transfers, and manage complex assets. Many families benefit from having both, depending on their goals.
What happens if I don’t have a will?
If you die without a will, your state’s probate court decides how to distribute your assets. This often causes delays, higher costs, and potential family conflict.
How much does planning cost?
Attorney fees for estate planning typically range from $2,000–$5,000 for the average estate, and can be more for complex situations. At SageVault, we don’t replace attorneys—you’ll still need one to draft your legal documents. What we do is help you prepare before you walk into that meeting.
That means:
Educating you on what scenarios may be possible
Identifying potential trouble areas to review with your attorney
Helping you decide who to name as executor, guardian, or trustee (and the considerations involved)
Organizing your information so your attorney’s time is focused and efficient
Our planning packages start at $599. Think of it as the before-the-lawyer package—about education and peace of mind. By working through the key decisions together, we reduce the number of hours (and hourly rate) your attorney needs to spend, ultimately saving you both time and money.
When should I update my will or plan?
Review your documents every 3–5 years or after major life changes—marriage, divorce, a new child, relocation, or significant health diagnoses.
Family Communication FAQs
What if my parents don’t want to talk about planning?
You’re not alone—many parents avoid the subject. That’s why we created our “How to Talk to Your Aging Parents” kit, which offers scripts, prompts, and a framework to start the conversation with less stress.
How do you help prevent family conflict?
We offer Family Alignment Sessions—facilitated meetings that give everyone a voice, set clear expectations, and reduce misunderstandings. These sessions often protect relationships during one of life’s most difficult seasons. These sessions start at $299.
Can you help if we’re already experiencing conflict?
Yes. Even if tension has already surfaced, a structured conversation guided by a neutral professional can bring clarity and stop issues from escalating.
Practical FAQs
What documents should every family have?
At minimum:
A will
Powers of Attorney (financial + medical)
HIPAA authorization
Beneficiary designations on key accounts
A legacy inventory (accounts, property, insurance, passwords, valuables)
Do you store my documents?
Right now, SageVault offers consulting and organizational tools. Our upcoming platform will provide a secure digital vault for storing and sharing documents with trusted family members and professionals.
Can I work with you virtually?
Yes. We serve families across the U.S. through virtual sessions. In-person support may be available in select cases.
Still have questions?
Reach out for a free 30-minute consultation to see which service fits your needs.