Five Questions To Ask An Estate Planning Attorney

Five Questions To Ask An Estate Planning Attorney

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Your initial meeting with an estate planning attorney can seem intimidating, especially if youre not used to dealing with lawyers. Dont worry, though, the attorney is used to dealing with clients, and if this is someone youll want to work with, they should be able to put you at ease. Here are a few things youll want to find out about any potential estate planning attorney:

1.How long has the attorney been practicing estate planning law? Theres no magic number of years, but you dont want to work with someone fresh out of law school. Youll want an attorney whos had several years experience; the more complex your estate, the more experienced your attorney should be.

2.What percentage of his or her practice does the attorney devote to estate planning? You dont want a general practitioner or a divorce lawyer putting together your estate plan. Estate planning is a highly specialized area of the law in which the rules and preferred strategies change frequently. You want to deal with someone who devotes his or her practice to estate planning.

3.How many hours of continuing legal education does the attorney pursue each year? Look for an attorney who actively pursues continuing educational opportunities specifically in the area of estate planning.

4.What is the attorneys fee arrangement? Make sure you understand how youll be billed will it be a flat fee or an hourly rate? Also, beware of bargain basement rates; as in most situations, you get what you pay for.

5.Who exactly will work on your file? If the attorney will be assisted by an associate attorney or paralegal, ask to meet that person to make sure youre comfortable with them.

As you speak with the attorney, pay attention to how well they listen to you and whether they fully answer your questions. Do you feel comfortable talking to the attorney and dealing with his or her staff? These are all things to pay attention to in choosing an estate planning attorney.


About the Author:
James A. Miller is a leading provider of expert estate planning guidance in Worcester, MA. For more information on estate planning and other estate planning services, visit our website.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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