According to research, a shocking 55% of American citizens die without having a will or estate plan in place.
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones, but it’s also a complex process.
You may not know where to start when looking for an estate planning attorney, or what questions to ask.
Well, don’t worry. Keep reading because this guide will help you choose estate planning attorneys.
- Ask Friends and Family for Referrals
The best way to find an attorney whom someone trusts enough to recommend is by asking people who know you well. You should also ask anyone who has extensive legal knowledge for recommendations.
This might include tax consultants or accountants. Lawyers such as financial planners might also have useful information on estate planning attorneys who are experienced in the field.
And you must also look at online client reviews. Reading client reviews will give you a greater understanding of how they work with their clients on creating an estate plan.
- Look For a Law Degree
An attorney’s certificate of registration is not required to practice as a paralegal. So, with that in mind, you must check that the person you’re working with has a law degree.
Without one, there may be limitations on their ability to represent your interests and the fines they could be charged with if they conducted business incorrectly or negligently.
You need an estate planning attorney, like Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, who understands all aspects of the legal process of wills and trusts so that nothing falls through the cracks.
- Ask About Experience
In addition to checking whether an estate plan is legally sound, experience matters among estate planning lawyers. This is because this requires a nuanced understanding of laws and regulations.
If you have a special-needs child, for instance, several laws apply to you. Your estate planning lawyer should know these regulations and be able to explain them to you so that everything is clear.
- Review the Office’s Location
When choosing an estate planning attorney, you might want to consider one who is located in your area. You may have less of a commute or be able to schedule appointments more conveniently.
It also helps if the law office is accessible by public transportation because it could be difficult for someone with mobility issues to travel there without private transportation.
If the attorney only provides services online, this eliminates some of these concerns but can come with its own set of challenges as well such as how to pay and stay informed on progress
- Request a Free Consultation
When vetting potential lawyers, it’s important to look at their professional history. Asking for references is also useful but may not be as informative as learning about someone’s qualifications first-hand through free consultations.
This way you can get all your questions answered and feel more confident that they are the best qualified to meet your needs.
Choose Estate Planning Attorneys That Are Right for You!
Estate planning attorneys are an important part of the estate planning process. By understanding the different options for lawyers and what to look for, you can choose estate planning attorneys that fit your needs.
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