If you’re in the process of planning out your estate, choosing an estate planning attorney is a critical decision.
These professionals can help you make sure your will, trust, and other legal documents are drafted correctly to avoid any potential problems down the line. They’ll also assist you with figuring out your liability and insurance needs.
The process of choosing the right attorney is a daunting one, as there are so many factors to consider. Individuals who are unsure how to choose an attorney can learn a lot by taking a look at some basic tips.
The first thing to keep in mind is that an attorney who has experience and knowledge in estate planning matters should be chosen. Be sure you’re getting someone who has taken the time to develop relationships with other attorneys throughout the years and is able to refer clients in the event they need assistance dealing with their estate plans.
It’s also important that the attorney you choose is one who has a proven track record. While this doesn’t necessarily mean he or she has won awards, it does indicate that the lawyer has been able to help other individuals plan their estates.
Here are the 7 tips for choosing the right estate planning attorney for you.
1. Don’t Limit Your Search by Geography Alone:
While some individuals are of the mindset that they should choose an attorney that is in the same geographic area as them, this isn’t necessary. Very often, finding an attorney who is willing to travel to meet with you can be the difference between successfully creating an estate plan and not having one at all. An attorney that is a little farther away might be willing to travel to meet with you and outline your needs. If you aren’t concerned about the location and find an attorney who has the experience, it’s more than worth your time.
2. Get a Referral from an Attorney or Other Advisor:
Other estate planning professionals and individuals who have hired attorneys in the past will definitely be able to refer you to people that they trust and are familiar with. If your relatives, associates, friends, and other professionals recommend a specific attorney, it’s definitely worth your time to consider his or her qualifications.
3. Beware of Internet Directories:
If you decide to use an internet directory, it’s important to take into consideration the information the site provides. Many directories are only useful as a starting point and shouldn’t be used as the only source of information when choosing an attorney.
For example, one internet directory may not include all of the attorneys that are able to provide estate planning services in your area. On top of this, there can also be fees associated with using these directories if you decide to utilize their services in finding a professional attorney.
4. Does the Attorney Focus on Estate Planning?
Finally, think about the type of services that your attorney provides. If he or she is focused on estate planning, then you should be assured that the attorney is well-versed in all of the necessary aspects. An attorney who doesn’t offer all of the types of services you require will not be suitable for looking after your estate. For example, if you’re only interested in handling your estate planning needs, then it’s best to choose an attorney who has experience doing so.
5. Beware of Bar Association Referral Hotlines:
Many attorneys and professionals that offer estate planning services use the Bar Association referral hotline to help them provide more referrals. The issue with this is that not all of these individuals are experienced and, therefore, may not be trustworthy when providing feedback. If you’re looking for a good recommendation, it’s best to get one from someone other than the person who referred you.
6. Is the Attorney a Published Author in the Area of Estate Planning?
There are several published books and articles that have been written by attorneys who have a lot of experience in estate planning. If your attorney is a published author, it means he or she has spent the time and effort to research issues regarding estate planning matters. One of the best ways to find out if your attorney is an expert in this field is by looking at his or her published work and seeing how much experience he or she has with different types of property.
7. Forget Fancy Slogans and Hype:
Be cautious of how the attorney puts himself or herself in the public’s eye. To many, lawyers just go by names without even having to say anything. Some attorneys may be able to help you create an estate plan, but it won’t matter because no one will know about it unless you’re planning on using their services. With that being said, avoid attorneys who keep a low profile so you can do business without the hassle of trying to find them.
Bottom Line:
The above-mentioned tips are just a few of the important tips for choosing the right attorney for creating your estate plan. With so many other factors, such as location, affiliation with other experts, and experience, it’s important to carefully consider all of them before settling on an attorney. After all, a great attorney can make the difference between successfully completing your estate plans and having them fall apart completely.
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