A good Estate Planning Attorney will help you create binding legal documents to help ensure your family’s future. They can help you plan how your assets should be distributed, establish guardianship for children (if applicable), limit estate taxes through trusts and charitable donations, and more. An experienced estate planning attorney can also guide heirs through the probate process.
Choosing an estate attorney is an important decision, especially as you’ll probably be working with them for years to come. You’ll want to consider the scope of their services, how long they’ve been practicing law, and whether they’re members of any professional organizations related to estate planning. You’ll also want to look at their fees and billing methods to make sure they’re a good fit for your budget.
An estate planning attorney will work closely with you to craft an estate plan that meets your needs. They will take into account your wishes, the complexities of your family situation, and state laws that may affect your plan. They will also be able to provide insight into other considerations, such as final health care decisions and steps to help you avoid probate court.
Your estate planning attorney should be ready to answer all of your questions and explain their reasoning for each option. They should also welcome your suggestions and be a good listener, as this is the most important aspect of their job. You should never feel that you’re being judged or pushed into doing something you don’t want to do. If you do, then it’s best to move on to another estate planning attorney.
It’s a good idea to get referrals from trusted sources when choosing an estate attorney. You should also check with your local and state bar associations, as they will have lists of attorneys who specialize in estate planning. In addition, you can use the internet to find an estate lawyer. However, the best source of information will be an attorney who has a great reputation in your community, as this can indicate how well they will work with you.
How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney
Whether you need a simple will or a more complicated trust, you should hire an estate planning attorney who has experience in the area that you need help with. For example, an experienced estate attorney will be able to help you navigate complicated issues like if you own real property in multiple states or if you have family members who require special needs attention.
You should also ask an estate attorney about their billing method and whether they charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Often, a flat fee will be more transparent and offer the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you’ll be paying for. An hourly rate, on the other hand, can be more unpredictable and might end up costing you more than a flat fee in some situations. If you’re unsure which billing method is right for you, then it’s a good idea to consult with several different attorneys to see who offers the best rates and services.
