How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney

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How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney

December 10, 2020

Estate planning is an important part of financial planning, but something many Americans procrastinate. If you are searching for an Estate Planning Attorney, you are headed in the right direction! Having a valid will, medical proxy, or power of attorney, potentially creating a trust, and maximizing your loved ones’ inheritances by minimizing taxes are all important matters you don’t want to leave to chance.

Having an estate plan in place limits the potential for family discord and possible legal battles should you become incapacitated, as well as after your death. An Estate Planning Attorney can help you prevent crucial oversights and assist you in adjusting your plans as your circumstances, and laws, change.

Here are a few tips for finding the best Celina Estate Planning Attorney for you:

Look for a Specialist

Not all attorneys specialize in estate planning. So, you’ll want to find one whose primary focus is estate and trust law in your state. Ideally, the Estate Planning Attorney has worked in this field for a minimum of three years, so they will be well-versed with the laws of your state and have experience working on estate plans similar to your situation.

If you don’t know where to begin your search, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. You can also research online to see if the Estate Planning Attorney has a website that has helpful information.

Ask About the Fees

Estate Planning Attorneys’ fees vary by state, experience level, and complexity of the case. Some attorneys charge by the hour, with the average attorney charging anywhere from $250 – $550 an hour. You will want to ask approximately how long it will take them to complete your estate plan.

Others offer a flat fee for their Estate Planning services. If you meet with a flat-fee attorney, find out exactly what the cost includes and ask if it’s based on a set number of visits or just a certain time period. Additionally, determine which documents are covered by the fee and whether the fee includes the cost of any future updates.

You do not want to end up with unexpected costs at the end of this process, so be sure you understand how and when you will be billed.

Recognize This Is an Ongoing Relationship

You will be sharing personal details of your life with your Estate Planning Attorney and you will want to feel comfortable and listened to. A good Celina Estate Planning Attorney should pay attention to the details and ask questions about your situation to tailor a plan unique to you and your needs. Make sure the attorney listens, asks questions and explains things in a way that you understand.

Geography

Your Estate Planning Attorney does need to be licensed in your state, but you do not have to select an attorney that is closest to you. Although it may seem convenient to have your attorney right down the road from you, most firms can accommodate meetings over the phone or via Zoom, so you would only need to go into the office to sign the documents. It is more important to find an attorney you are comfortable working with rather than one that is closest to your home.

Once you find an Estate Planning Attorney that fits your needs, you can complete your estate plan and have the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of when you are unable to care for them.

To schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation, please call us at (972) 435-7938 or contact us directly online. With an office in Celina’s historic downtown square, we serve communities throughout the region, including in Collin County, Denton County, Grayson County, Cooke County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County.

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