When you asked how to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney, it’s important to choose an attorney who is right for you. Choosing the wrong one can lead to unnecessary legal fees and frustrations.
You can get a list of attorneys who specialize in your specific needs by asking friends and family for referrals. Also, consult with financial professionals you know, such as accountants and insurance agents, to find out if they have a recommended estate planning attorney they work with.
Get Referrals
Referrals from other attorneys, insurance professionals, tax advisors and CPAs are an essential part of building a successful estate planning firm. Increasing the number of these professionals in your firm’s network can increase referral opportunities and help you build a stronger client base.
According to Steve Riley, law firm coach and Atticus Consulting LLC owner, “the most important thing you can do to get more referrals is to be a good referral source yourself.” This includes making sure that your office staff answers calls professionally and that they have a high level of client service and positive outcomes.
You should also make it easy for others to give you referrals. If possible, establish a formal process for requesting referrals and distributing them to the appropriate people. Creating a system for referring clients makes it easier to follow up with the person who referred them and ensures that you haven’t missed an opportunity. It will also save you time and frustration when it comes to re-creating your list each year.
Look for Specialization
Specialization is a business practice that involves focusing on specific products or services to help a company gain a competitive advantage and become an industry leader. It can also increase the company’s brand recognition.
Estate planning attorneys typically specialize in a particular area of law, such as wills and trusts. This makes them more knowledgeable and better equipped to handle your estate plan.
Another benefit of choosing an attorney that specializes in estate planning is that they are likely to keep up with the constantly changing laws and legal statutes. This can give you peace of mind that your estate planning documents are legally valid and will protect your assets and your loved ones.
To find a good estate planning attorney, start by asking for referrals from family and friends. You can also ask your doctor, accountant, financial advisor, or other professionals for recommendations.
Ask About Fees
When choosing an estate planning attorney, it is important to understand how they charge their fees. They can either charge a flat fee, which is generally appropriate for smaller estates, or they can use an hourly rate that reflects the time it takes to complete each part of the estate plan.
They can also request a retainer upfront and then bill you the remainder at a later date. This type of pricing strategy is particularly beneficial if multiple aspects are involved in constructing an estate plan, as well as if certain tasks take longer than expected.
When selecting an estate planning attorney, it is crucial to find one who has the experience and expertise needed to create a comprehensive plan. You may want to interview several attorneys before deciding on one. This will help you to determine their personality and experience level and allow you to ask questions about how they would approach your case.
Interview the Attorney
When choosing an estate planning attorney, it’s important to interview them to ensure that you choose the best fit for your needs. An attorney should be able to explain their process and answer your questions clearly.
An experienced estate specialist can provide guidance for managing your assets during life, passing your property on after death, and minimizing tax liabilities. They can also help you create effective documents that reflect your wishes for the distribution of your estate.
Your plan will be more effective if you find an estate planning attorney who is up to date with state-specific laws and probate procedures where you live.
A good estate planner should also put you at ease and make you feel comfortable sharing your personal information. Your attorney should be a good listener and take the time to get to know you.
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