A good Estate Planning Attorney can take a lot of stress and anxiety out of the process of creating an estate plan. They understand the laws both at the state and federal level that pertain to this type of legal matter and they can help you to create an estate plan that addresses all of your needs and desires. They will be able to explain in simple terms all of the complexities and rules that apply to estate planning. This can save you a great deal of frustration, time and money in the long run.
If you have accumulated some wealth in your lifetime, it is important to create documents that will distribute and dispose of your assets in accordance with your wishes. Many people think that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but anyone who has a family, friends, or independent institutions that they wish to receive portions of their estate should make plans for how those assets will be distributed upon their death.
In addition to helping you to draft appropriate documents, an Estate Planning Attorney can also help you to make a financial plan that will ensure your estate is as efficient as possible. They will be able to assist you with determining all of your accounts, assets and liabilities and they can help you to consolidate them into as few locations as possible. This will help your heirs to easily locate and identify all of your assets and property. It will also help to minimize taxes and fees.
When selecting an Estate Planning Attorney, it is important to take the time to interview several candidates and choose one that you feel comfortable with. You will be discussing sensitive and private information with this person and you need to know that they will keep your matters in the strictest confidence. You should also feel that they are fully listening to you and understand your wishes.
It is generally preferable to choose an Estate Planning Attorney that is a local resident and has an office nearby. This will make it easier for you to meet with them in person and for you to sign documents. However, there are some attorneys that have a national practice and you can also find lawyers who offer virtual services as well.
While you are considering the various options available to you, it is also a good idea to look for an attorney who has additional certifications and credentials. This can be a sign that they have a strong understanding of the law, a good reputation in the community and that they have extensive experience in this field. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an Accredited Estate Planner or a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor are all examples of credentials that should be considered. These credentials are awarded by professional organizations to individuals who have passed a rigorous test and have demonstrated that they have a high level of knowledge, expertise and professionalism in their field.
