When creating an estate plan, it’s important to work with an attorney who understands the financial and legal complexities involved. This will ensure that an individual’s wishes are clearly communicated and are in accordance with federal and state law. When selecting an attorney for this purpose, there are several questions to ask that can help individuals feel confident in their choice.
First, individuals should inquire about the attorney’s level of experience in this field. It’s advisable to find out how long they have been practicing and whether they are members of professional organizations related to estate planning law. In addition, individuals should request a list of references from previous clients to learn more about the attorney’s skills and abilities.
It’s also a good idea to ask an attorney about their education and training. Individuals should find out if they have a bachelor’s degree in law or have completed a master of law (LLM) degree in estate planning. They should also find out if they have taken any continuing education courses or participated in any legislative advocacy programs to stay current with changes in the law.
The next step in choosing an estate planning attorney is to set up a consultation visit with the firm. During the consultation, an individual should provide their attorney with details about their finances and assets. They should also tell the attorney about their family makeup and any specific needs or concerns. Finally, the attorney should discuss their fees and how they bill for their services.
It’s a good idea to choose an attorney who specializes in estate planning and has extensive experience working with a variety of different clients. This will make it easier for them to create a comprehensive plan that addresses all of an individual’s needs. In addition, an experienced attorney will be able to offer valuable insight based on their past work and will be able to address any unique situations that may arise.
Ultimately, individuals should select an estate planning attorney who makes them feel comfortable and who they trust to help them create an effective plan. This can be accomplished by asking friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations or by researching attorneys online. It’s also a good idea to visit a few attorneys before making a decision. This will allow individuals to get a feel for the attorneys’ personalities and to determine which one would best suit their needs.
A common misconception is that a will alone is enough to create an estate plan. However, a will is only a small part of the puzzle and does not address all of an individual’s goals or wishes for their death. For example, it is important to include beneficiary designations for all of an individual’s assets and property to ensure that those purchases are distributed according to his or her wishes after death. In addition, it is important to have a living will and power of attorney in place. This will protect an individual from being unable to make his or her own decisions in the event of incapacity or illness.
