When you are in the midst of beginning the process of estate planning, perhaps the most important decision you will make will be the attorney you hire to help you create a will and other aspects of your estate plan. While you may assume any attorney will be fine, that is not the case at all. If you want to find the right estate planning attorney, here is the criteria you should keep in mind.
Specializing in Estate Planning
First and foremost, always select an attorney who specializes in estate planning. By doing so, you will know your attorney will have the expertise needed to help you make the right decisions. Depending on the size of your estate and how you want your assets distributed upon your death, you will need an attorney who knows about various types of trusts, estate taxes, and more.
Get a Referral
When you are involved in estate planning, chances are you are also working closely with a CPA, financial advisor, or another person in a similar capacity. If so, always ask them for a referral to help you find an estate planning attorney. Since these professionals work with attorneys who specialize in this area of law on a regular basis, chances are they will be able to recommend an attorney you can trust.
Membership in Professional Organizations
When you are speaking with an attorney you have under consideration to assist you with estate planning, ask them if they have membership in professional organizations linked to estate planning. If your attorney does belong to such groups, this indicates they are staying up-to-date on the latest developments within estate planning, such as new tax laws and regulations.
Don’t Limit Your Search
Since planning your estate will impact your family members for decades to come after your death, it is crucial you hire the best attorney for the job. To do so, do not limit your search to just your town or city. Even if you need to drive a longer distance to meet with an estate planning attorney who is well-known for their expertise, it will be worth it to know you and your family members will have peace of mind now and upon your passing.
Whether your estate planning involves leaving money to charities, making sure your children will be taken care of as they grow older, or ensuring your spouse will be able to inherit your assets with few problems, having the best attorney handling the details for you will ensure your final wishes will be in place and carried out upon your death.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
