5 Tips for Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney


Estate planning is an essential part of preparing for your future and needs to be handled professionally for the best outcomes. To achieve this, you will need to find the right estate planning attorney who will simplify this process and limit the likelihood of family turmoil and possible legal battles in the future. This article outlines five tips for choosing an estate planning attorney.

1. Prioritize location convenience

Since estate planning laws vary from state to state, it is best to localize your search. This will help you settle for an attorney who is well-versed in your state’s laws, thus guaranteeing better guidance and services. You will also appreciate the convenience of easy access since an estate planning attorney serving your state or county will always be at hand for one-on-one sessions.

If you are in California, you can consider partnering with Pedrick Law Group, which consists of a team of lawyers who have been handling estate planning concerns across the state for over two decades.

2. Know your needs

Before you go looking for an estate planning attorney, it is critical first to evaluate why you need the services of these professionals. Creating specific goals about your plan will make it easier to narrow down your options and find the right match for your needs. Among the aspects to evaluate include:
  • Whether you need to write an entire estate plan from scratch
  • If all you require is to update or revise an existing plan
  • If you want to set up guardianship or fund a trust
  • Whether you would like to reduce future tax liabilities for your beneficiaries
  • If you’re seeking advice on your estate plan in light of a divorce or legal separation

3. Settle for a specialist

Treat your search for an estate planning attorney like you do when looking for a specialized doctor. Go beyond the promises and website content you come across by seeking to know the extent of an attorney’s focus on providing estate planning services. Most importantly, consider the years of dealing with estate planning concerns and whether they handle other tasks such as estate administration.

4. Consider pricing clarity

An estate planning attorney that brings with them a broad wealth of experience and specialized knowledge will always be clear about their pricing. While the amount you spend largely depends on the complexities of your needs, you do not want an attorney who is too expensive or unclear about their charges.

If an estate planning attorney charges by the hour, inquire about how long the process will take for better estimates on the total cost. If it is a flat-fee charge, inquire about what it entails and whether it includes future updates.

5. Trust your intuition

Estate planning involves sharing details about your life and concerns, making it vital to find an attorney you can trust. You will need to pay attention to the minor aspects such as an attorney’s attentiveness, how comfortable you feel while talking to them, and how well they answer your questions to determine whether you can build a good relationship.

Endnote

Choosing an estate planning attorney might not be rocket science but is a process that you should properly handle for long-term satisfaction.

Do You Need An Attorney?

If so, post a short summary of your legal needs to our site and let attorneys submit applications to fulfill those needs. No time wasted, no hassle, no confusion, no cost.

Posted - 01/25/2022