It is important to make the right choice when it comes to choosing your estate lawyer. You are not only entrusting your confidential life details to this professional, but you also trust them with creating a plan in line with your wishes. Consider these factors when choosing an attorney.
Selecting Estate Lawyers
Select an attorney with experience in the area of your needs. Estate lawyers may not be experts in all aspects of estate law. However, contesting a will should understand how one aspect can affect another.
Ask about the percentage of their practice that is dedicated to your issue. Unscrupulous lawyers may try to take advantage of the fact that estate planning is an ever-growing field by claiming they are experts in trusts, wills and plans. You can feel more confident that an attorney has a specialty in the area if they have a designation.
Before contacting an attorney, do some research. Check their websites to see what they have learned, how long they’ve been practicing and their experience. Does the lawyer belong to any local, national or state associations? Search for specialty associations that are relevant to your needs, such as The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Find out if your lawyer is a part of these.
Look for any articles that the firm or lawyer has written, and note any community involvements they have taken part in or supported. Get recommendations from friends, colleagues and neighbors.
It may seem impossible, but you should always check with the state bar to ensure that the lawyer in question is a current member.
Other Considerations
When choosing an estate lawyer, there are other factors to take into consideration. Do not forget to consider the other employees at the firm. They are going to be in contact with you a lot. You need staff who are courteous, professional and can respond to you quickly.
Find a local attorney. Local lawyers are more likely to be familiar with the laws of the state than an attorney from out-of-state, and it’s also easier to visit their office.
Request references. You should try to talk to former clients of the lawyer to get a sense of the quality of service they provide and how well they communicate with their clients disputing a will.
Ask about the fees, the payment terms and how much the consultation will cost. Estate planning can be a complex and time-consuming process. These lawyers often charge for an initial consultation. Ask if the fee is a flat rate or an hourly fee. Make sure to understand the details of the fee.
You Can Trust Yourself
Don’t ignore your gut feeling when you are doing your research. If you’re searching for an attorney with the experience you require, you also need to choose someone you trust. He or she must be attentive to your concerns, values and needs and show interest in your case. You should be able to understand them. They will ask you about your finances, your relationships with family and friends, and your personal history. Your attorney should be someone who you feel comfortable with and can be honest and open with.