According to a recent CNBC article, 67% of US citizens don’t have an estate plan. If you’re one of those Americans, you’ve come to the right place to learn about the process.
When you don’t have an estate plan, you leave loved ones in a vulnerable position where the IRS could take a lot out of what they deserve. In this quick guide, we’ll talk about how you can find the best lawyer for estate planning.
It is possible to create an estate plan on your own, although, we don’t recommend it. The reason for this is that if you get something wrong, it can have a big impact on the recipients of your estate.
So without further ado, let’s get into this guide!
Don’t Be Limited By Location
It may be tempting to look at only local attorneys to deal with your estate plan, but it’s worth searching further afield. The best lawyer for your needs may be in a nearby town or city.
Of course, the best lawyers for your needs will require a state license to deal with your estate planning. Aside from this, take your time searching out attorneys that aren’t just on your doorstep. And, read reviews on sites like Trustpilot to learn the reputation of different attorneys.
Get Referrals if Possible
One of the best ways to find an attorney for estate planning is to ask for referrals. You can start by asking family and friends.
If you have no luck with them, you can try work colleagues and neighbors. Furthermore, you can even ask your doctor, dentist, or accountant, for instance. The point is, when someone you know can recommend and explain their experience with an attorney, you can gain a stronger understanding of whether they’ll be right for you or not.
Are They Specialists?
An ideal situation is where you have an attorney that specializes only in estate planning. These attorneys will know every little aspect of how to plan for various people’s estate planning requirements.
If you choose to use an attorney with minimal or no experience in estate planning, you might leave yourself open to mistakes being made in your plans. It might take a little longer to get a specialist, but in the end, it should be well worth it.
Here you can check out more to learn about lawyers that specialize in estate planning.
Interview Your Prospects
Once you have a shortlist of lawyers, take the time to interview each of them to gauge their ability to understand your needs. Try not to go with the first lawyer that comes your way.
You should feel confident and assured with your attorney. The reason for this is they will be dealing with one of the biggest plans you’ve ever undertaken in your life!
Find the Best Lawyer for Estate Planning
To find the best lawyer for estate planning, take your time and look further afield from your local area. Also, look for specialists, and make sure to interview your prospects so you know you can trust them.
Get more posts like this on our main blog page.