The population of licensed attorneys in the US is now 15% higher than it was 10 years ago. If you need an estate planning lawyer, it helps to know what to look for. Otherwise, you might hire a lawyer who lacks the proper expertise. Will Dispute Lawyer in Sydney explains that an inexperienced lawyer that drafts an incomplete or invalid will and estate plane is one of the leading reasons beneficiaries decide to dispute a will.
Here are five tips that can help you find the best estate planner in town. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice.
Choosing the right estate planning attorney can benefit your family in the future.
Read on to discover how to find the best attorney for estate planning today.
1. Gather Referrals
First, talk to friends and family members. Ask if they’ve hired a local estate planning lawyer in the past few years. If they have, take the time to learn more from their firsthand account.
Make sure your friend was satisfied with the services they received. Ask if the lawyer was experienced and knowledgeable, too.
Determine if your friend encountered any problems while working with the attorney as well.
If you’re unable to find an attorney through referrals, head online instead. Check your local bar association website and the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory for options.
2. Look for Experience
Once you have a list of lawyers to choose from, determine how long each attorney has worked in the legal industry. Find an estate planning lawyer with years of specialized experience.
Consider how long the lawyer has specialized in estate planning and how many clients they’ve helped.
Make sure to review each lawyer’s credentials. First, make sure they’re licensed to practice in the state.
Determine if they’re an accredited estate planner or certified trust and financial advisor. You might find a few chartered trust and estate planners, too.
Finding a lawyer with the proper credentials will give you peace of mind in their abilities.
3. Consider Their Services
There are over 637,000 estate lawyers and attorneys in the US. Find an estate planning attorney who specializes in the services you need, too.
For example, you might need someone to draft your will. You can find a wills lawyer here to get started.
Maybe you need someone who specializes in case litigation for probate matters instead.
Find someone with long-term experience handling the services you need.
4. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation with two or three lawyers on your list. Discuss your needs and goals. Then, ask how they might help.
Pay attention to how the lawyer speaks. Do they sound knowledgeable?
Ask if they can work with your financial advisor, too.
5. Consider Their Fees
Ask each lawyer about their fee structure. Some require retainers and additional fees upfront.
Gather estimates from more than one estate planning lawyer to gauge the average cost of services. Don’t choose the cheapest option, though. A more experienced attorney might charge more.
Select the Best: Find the Best Estate Planning Lawyer in Your Town
Don’t hire the first estate planning lawyer you call. Instead, use these tips to find the best estate planner in town. With these tips, you can feel confident in your choice.
They’ll help you plan for the future.
Searching for more tips? You’re in the right place.
Read also: Legal Freedom: How to Start a Law Firm
Explore our latest guides today.
