Selecting a Good Estate Lawyer

Trusts and estates is an area of law that helps people plan their wills and manage their estates while they are living through trusts and other planning and managing tools. Often, these tasks require the help of a good attorney. Choosing an estate lawyer is not as simple as opening the Yellow Pages and calling the first name that comes up. You need to find the right one to ensure that your final plans are exactly as you want them.

The first step in the process of finding the right attorney is choosing one who specializes in this area of law. While any attorney can do your will or trust, you will be best served by one who has specifically studied this area of the legal field. If you have a very specific concern about your will, you need to make sure that the attorney has experience in handling that particular type of planning.

If you know someone who has already had their will or trust set up, start by asking them the name of the individual they used. Often, this is the best way to get a list of good potential attorneys, or any other professional you might be calling for that matter.

Next, use the Internet. Look at the websites for the attorneys you are considering, and then check them through the Better Business Bureau as well. A professional website combined with good reviews through the BBB likely means you have found a good estate lawyer. Also, do not be afraid to use local review websites as well. If there is a real problem with a particular attorney, it will come through on at least one of these venues.

Next, schedule a consultation with the attorney. Most will offer a free initial consultation. This is where they try to “sell” their services to you, give you a little advice, and help you make a few determinations about what you should do for your will or trust. This gives you the chance to interview the attorney and decide if you feel they are a good fit for your needs. If you feel like they are not giving you good attention, you may want to look elsewhere. You need an estate lawyer who is going to listen to you attentively and help you meet your goals.

Once you think you have found the right one, ask for references, and talk to those references. Then, ask for a copy of the retainer agreement. If you do not understand it, ask. Do not hire an estate lawyer until you are certain you know how and what you will be paying.

Don’t forget to consider special needs you might have, such as the need to meet after hours or the need for a bilingual attorney. While these may not be the deciding factors in your choice for an estate lawyer, they are important considerations to make. If you look hard enough, you can probably find an attorney that not only has excellent references and reviews, but also meets the very specific needs you have as you plan for your final affairs.