Estate planning takes a very special kind of attorney, one who knows the financial markets and trends, as well as how they apply to your particular situation. Though it can be tempting to draw up your own plans and goals, you would be wise to have a legal consultant to guide you along the way. Read here about what to look for in a good estate attorney.
It is important to think about the specialty of a lawyer your are hiring. You want to make sure you hire the lawyer you need. You do not want to hire a lawyer that specializes in criminal law to do your estate planning. Choosing a lawyer that specializes in whatever area of law you need, will guarantee you get someone who has a lot of experience in that area and can do a good job.
A good tip if you’re looking to hire a lawyer is to try to find the right lawyer for the task you need. If you’re simply wanting to draw up a contract, hiring a big shot, corporate lawyer is probably overkill and is just going to cost you a lot more.
Do not go with a lawyer you are not comfortable with. This also includes how comfortable you feel with their fees. Do not sign over a blank retainer check. Get an estimate so you can keep costs low and they don’t get out of control.
Do not make the mistake of believing that an older lawyer automatically knows more than a lawyer that is a bit younger. Someone may have been in practice longer, but that does not mean that they automatically have experience in the area of law that pertains to your case.
Keep a log of every interaction you have with your lawyer. Discussed content, amount paid, time and date should be recorded in the log. This will help you handle any disagreement about charges that may appear later.
Always work with a trustworthy lawyer. This is particularly true if you’re using a lawyer for business purposes. Many of these lawyers ask for a retainer fee or a blank check; therefore, it is important to trust your attorney. The fate of your finances are literally in your lawyer’s hands in these cases. Safeguard your future the best way you can.
Now that you understand more about how estate planning works and how an attorney can help, you can move forward with a well-informed plan. Seek referrals, do your research and get your new attorney on board as soon as you can.It is never too late to plan your future.