An experienced attorney will help you plan your estate properly. However, selecting the right attorney can be a challenge. When choosing an estate planning lawyer, it is essential to ask the right questions. This will help you make a well-informed decision.
Experience
An estate plan is a complex legal document involving various issues, including asset distribution, naming beneficiaries for assets and non-probate transfers, and healthcare proxies. It requires a specialized lawyer from Reese Law Firm with experience in estate planning to ensure all of your wishes are clearly outlined and that the documents comply with your state laws. An experienced estate planning attorney will guide you through the process and explain the technical legal terminology in your documents. In contrast, general practitioners or companies that provide legal document preparation services may offer a lower cost but often fail to address important issues that could ultimately impact your family and estate. You can find an experienced estate planning attorney by asking friends and family members for recommendations or searching online. Many attorneys will charge a fee for the initial consultation, so you should know this upfront before scheduling your appointment. Attorneys may bill on an hourly basis or by using a flat fee.
Qualifications
It takes a special kind of lawyer to handle complex estate planning issues. This type of attorney should have strong verbal and written communication skills and a keen understanding of the law. It is also recommended to find out if the attorney is part of a group or network that keeps up with the latest developments in estate planning. This can help ensure the attorney is current on the most recent laws, rulings and techniques. Many local bar associations have referral services that will connect you with an estate planning lawyer in your area. Remember that these attorneys have paid a fee to be listed on the service, and it is important to research each before deciding. Also, you should schedule appointments to meet with the lawyers in their offices and interview them for your case. This will give you a better feel for whether they are the right fit for your needs.
Fees
While the costs of hiring an attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan can be substantial, it’s important to understand and compare rates before choosing one. It’s also good to ask family members and friends for recommendations. When meeting with potential attorneys, consider how comfortable you feel sharing personal and confidential information about your life. You’ll be working with this person for the rest of your life, and you want to be able to trust them with very intimate details of your life. It’s also helpful to find out whether an attorney specializes exclusively in estate planning or dabbles in other areas of law, such as real estate or business. Attorneys specializing solely in estate planning can devote more time and attention to their clients’ needs. They will also be current on their practice area’s latest laws and planning techniques. Attorneys may charge a flat fee for their services or bill hourly.
Reputation
Like any professional, estate planning attorneys build their reputations through word-of-mouth or referrals. Those who are difficult to work with or treat their clients poorly will likely develop a bad reputation in the legal community. As you interview attorneys, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with them. They must ask you personal questions about your family and finances, so you need to trust them with these details.
Also, make sure the attorney you hire specializes in estate planning law. You wouldn’t want to work with a lawyer focusing on medical malpractice, criminal defense or domestic litigation for your estate planning needs. The best attorneys will have a practice dedicated to estate planning, wills, and trusts. Suppose they do not consider looking elsewhere. They may need help advising you on state and federal tax laws that could affect your estate plans. This is a big deal and can cost your beneficiaries significant sums.
