Guidelines for Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney
Helpful tips
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In your search for competent Estate Planning advice, please keep the following guidelines in mind.
1) Make certain you find an attorney whose firm concentrates in the field of Estate and Trust Planning. Effective Estate Planning requires an attorney who understands the intricacies of of both Trust and Will-centered planning. She should also commit herself to staying current with changing laws at state and federal levels, including tax reforms.
2) Check to see if the attorney has an up-to-date library of Estate Planning resources, both manual and computer-aided research materials. Her legal advice will only be as accurate as the resources she uses.
3) Attorneys' services vary from firm to firm. Be sure to compare apples to apples and services to services. Investigate what you can expect to receive, such as a customized, comprehensive Trust Plan prepared by a qualified, experienced attorney who is backed by a knowledgeable and professional paralegal staff. Follow-up services should extend well beyond the completion of the Trust documents.
4) If there are unique circumstances concerning a family member, what will be done to provide for him and to protect his interests?
5) Be sure to get written confirmation of all legal fees and an itemized list of services provided.
6) Do not select a law firm that lacks an established procedure to assist you with "funding" the Trust (i.e. - a letter of instructions, guidelines to the Successor Trustee and loved ones, the Affidavit of Transfer of Personal Assets, the Special Power of Attorney, transfer of the new deed for real estate, and yearly follow-up letters).
7) If you do not believe that the attorney sincerely cares about you and will help you accomplish your specific goals, do not hire that person.
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