Common Questions to Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning is an essential part of preparing for the future. It is a process that helps you make decisions about how your assets will be managed and distributed upon your death. Aside from that, it involves making legal and financial arrangements to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away.

When it comes to your estate planning, you must seek the advice of an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney. An estate planning attorney can provide invaluable assistance in developing a comprehensive plan that meets your needs, goals, and objectives. However, you must ask your estate planning attorney the right questions to receive the best advice and assistance.

The following are some common questions to ask your estate planning attorney:

1. How Much of Your Practice Involves Estate Planning?

Remember, your goal in hiring an estate planning attorney is to ensure that you have the best plan for you and your family. You want to work with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorney. Asking how much of their practice involves estate planning will help you determine if they can provide the level of expertise you require. 

Now, if the attorney you’re talking to mentions that they do “some” estate planning now and then or handle similar cases occasionally, they’re not the right one for you. After all, you need to employ someone who has managed many estate planning cases for more experience.

2. How Do You Charge for Estate Planning?

You might not think about it, but your budget is one of the most determining factors in hiring an estate planning attorney. After all, the cost of hiring an attorney can add up quickly. Asking your prospective attorney how they charge for their services will help you decide if they are within your budget.

There are instances when an estate planning attorney may demand a flat fee for their services. This means your total cost will be the same no matter how long the process takes or how many assets you need to plan for. Other attorneys may charge an hourly rate, which can add up quickly if the process takes a long time.

3. Does Your Practice Include Probate?

Probate refers to the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. This includes identifying and gathering the person’s assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs. Probate can be a complicated and lengthy process, so it’s important to ensure your estate planning attorney has experience with it.

Remember, some attorneys are only limited to the general aspect of estate planning but have yet to learn about probate. If that is the case, you must find an attorney experienced in estate planning and probate. This way, you won’t have to hire two separate attorneys for the same task.

Final Thoughts

Estate planning is a crucial part of life, and it is necessary to have an experienced estate planning attorney help you establish a plan that is suitable for your current and future needs. Collaborating with an estate planning attorney can help you understand the legal process, identify the important decisions, and create a plan that works for your unique situation. Overall, asking them these questions helps ensure you get the best advice and services from your estate planning attorney.

The Estate Preservation Law Firm understands that estate planning is complex and intimidating, and we are here to help. Our experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys are ready to help you create a plan that meets your needs. Consult with us today!