Have you decided to hire an attorney to help with your estate planning needs? If so, it can be a little overwhelming trying to decide what to do next. Here are three tips for choosing an estate planning attorney.
- The first of the three tips for choosing an estate planning attorney may be to identify your specific needs and goals. You may only need a simple will, power of attorney, and advanced healthcare directive. On the other hand, you may require something more specialized. There may be a variety of reasons you may want a more complex plan put in place. For example, you or a family member may have Medicare or Medicaid concerns. You may be concerned about estate taxes based on your jurisdiction or your income level. You may have a family member or beneficiary with special needs or health issues. You may have to hire a lawyer familiar with the laws of multiple jurisdictions if you have assets located in different states. No matter what your needs are, it can be important to first identify them before you can move on to the second of the three tips for choosing an estate planning attorney.
- The second of the three tips for choosing an estate planning attorney may be to identify a small pool of attorney candidates that you would consider hiring. While you could resort to an internet search for a local attorney, you will likely have better success if you poll family and friends for suggestions. If you have other advisors, such as a financial planner or an accountant, ask them for recommendations as well. Make sure the attorneys you identify have experience addressing the specific issues and goals you have identified in the previous step.
- The last of the three tips for choosing an estate planning attorney may be to interview the attorneys. Not only might you want to understand their fee structure to ensure that they are within your budget, but you may also want to make sure you connect with the attorney. Remember, you will be disclosing very sensitive information about your assets and finances, your health, and your family, so you want to choose someone you feel comfortable with.
For more information about estate planning, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment. We do telephone, computer, and face-to-face appointments. Our face-to-face appointments are held outside in the open air (frequently selected by clients for document signing) and inside our office conference room. We follow all CDC guidelines. Our office procedures and COVID-19 safety protocols are designed and enhanced by medical review and air quality engineering and design.