When it comes to estate planning, you should hire an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced. You can find one by asking for a recommendation from friends or searching online. Once you have found an attorney, you should schedule a consultation visit to discuss your situation and your wishes. Some attorneys will ask you to complete a questionnaire before your first meeting. This questionnaire will cover topics such as your finances, the makeup of your family, and whether or not you have minor children.
The role of an estate planning attorney is to help you create a legal plan that expresses your wishes regarding the disposition of your property. This plan should include a last will and testament, power of attorney, and medical directives. It should also include information about guardianship for any minor children and beneficiaries of your assets. Your attorney should be familiar with local and state laws that pertain to estates, trusts, and probate. They should also be able to provide advice on how to avoid or minimize taxes, fees, and court costs.
Estate planning is a process that changes with your life circumstances. As such, you should regularly review your estate plan with your attorney to ensure that it is up-to-date. This can be done with annual or biannual reviews, depending on your needs. If you have significant changes in your life or assets, you may need to consider a more frequent review of your estate plan.
An attorney can also assist with establishing trusts to manage your assets while you are still alive and to transfer them to your beneficiaries after your death. Trusts can provide a great deal of flexibility in managing your estate and reducing taxes, fees, and court costs. Your attorney should be able to explain the benefits and drawbacks of different types of trusts, including revocable living trusts and charitable trusts.
Your estate planning attorney can also assist you with settling your debts and distributing your property. The process of settling an estate can be time-consuming and public, but it is essential for ensuring that your debts are paid and that your property is distributed according to your wishes. Your attorney should be able to advise you on best practices for avoiding probate, as well as the costs and time involved.
A skilled and experienced estate planning attorney can make the difference between a smooth transition of your assets and property and a contentious battle among family members and creditors. By hiring an attorney who is experienced in the field of estate planning, you can rest assured that your wishes will be carried out in a way that meets your personal and financial goals. When choosing an attorney, you should ask questions about their qualifications, experience with special research tasks, and compensation rates. These factors will determine if they are the right fit for your unique situation. You should also ask for references from past clients to see what their experiences have been like.