How To Find A Good Estate Planning Attorney: 4 Tips for Success

Choosing the right estate planning attorney is crucial in protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. Whether drafting a will, setting up a trust, or planning for long-term care, working with a knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you find the right one? In this guide, we’ll share 4 essential tips to help you select an estate planning attorney who meets your needs, provides clear guidance, and gives you peace of mind.

What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?

An estate planning attorney is a legal professional well-versed in federal and individual state laws regarding every aspect of an estate. Also known as probate attorneys, these legal experts ensure you have all the bases covered regarding how your estate will be inventoried, valued, taxed, and distributed upon your passing. 

Estate planning attorneys do more than just help you answer questions about your assets and loved ones. They also help with: 

  • Draft Wills & Trusts: Help clients create legally binding wills and establish trusts to manage assets.
  • Minimize Estate Taxes: Develop strategies to reduce tax burdens on heirs.
  • Create Powers of Attorney: Draft documents granting authority for financial and medical decisions if a client becomes incapacitated.
  • Set Up Healthcare Directives: Help clients establish living wills and medical power of attorney.
  • Protect Assets: Develop strategies to safeguard wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and probate.
  • Navigate Probate: Assist executors in handling estate administration and ensuring proper distribution of assets.
  • Plan for Business Succession: Guide business owners in transferring ownership smoothly.
  • Manage Guardianship Designations: Help parents designate guardians for minor children.
  • Address Special Needs Planning: Create trusts and plans to ensure long-term care for disabled loved ones.
  • Update Estate Plans: Review and adjust estate plans as laws and life circumstances change.

Having the right estate planning attorney by your side can be a massive stress reliever and help you feel prepared for whatever is to come. Not only that, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing your family and possessions are in good hands even after you’re gone. That said, it’s essential to find a trustworthy estate planning attorney that you can depend on—but how do you do that when so many options are available? 

How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney: 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Person

If you’re unsure about how to select a reliable estate planning attorney, here are 5 tips to consider during your search: 

1. Decide What You Need From an Estate Planning Attorney

    Before you even begin, it’s critical to understand what you’re exactly looking for. Every person has different needs when it comes to estate planning, and it’s a good idea to think through yours before hiring someone. Having an end goal in mind can make it that much easier to find the perfect fit for your estate and family. 

    Are you looking for someone who will:

    • Revise or fix an existing estate plan?
    • Write an entire estate plan from scratch?
    • Help you establish and fund a Trust for minor children? 
    • Complete a specific aspect of your plan, like designating beneficiaries in a will or setting up guardianship and a care plan for a child with special needs?
    • Can you advise us on eliminating taxes for your estate and beneficiaries as much as possible?
    • Properly handle and distribute your international financial interests?

    Estate planning attorneys can specialize in different fields, so making a list or reflecting on your particular needs is essential. Once you know the type of estate planning lawyer you’re looking for, you can start asking around or searching online for the best candidate. 

    2. Start the Search by Asking Friends & Family

      Start by asking friends and family for estate planning attorney referrals. That way, you know their recommendations are trustworthy and backed by real experience. It also helps you weed out the lousy potential and focus your energy on finding the best possible fit. Asking financial experts you work with, including insurance agents, accountants, and bankers, can also be valuable as they often collaborate with estate planning attorneys who are trusted and knowledgeable. 

      As you ask around, start making a list of the promising estate planning attorneys you could hire. Review the list of candidates and referrals, looking into each lawyer’s background. Are they good with writing up wills? Do they have positive reviews and adequate experience? How big is their firm size, and what do they specialize in? Take a look at each candidate’s website and analyze how well they fit your needs. 

      3. Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring

        Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, inquire about an interview before hiring them. An estate planning attorney may or may not require a small fee for interviewing, but it’s a crucial step of the hiring process. Come prepared with all the necessary information, including your specific preferences and any essential documentation. 

        Additionally, prepare a list of questions to ask the estate planning attorney during the interview, which could include: 

        • Where did you get your law degree from?
        • How long have you been practicing estate planning law?
        • What’s your preferred method of communication?
        • What are the best ways to reach you if we work together?
        • Who would be my point of contact at your firm?
        • Will you send me updates about the status of my estate plan, or am I expected to take the initiative?
        • How do you charge, and what is your rate (hourly vs. fixed)?
        • Are there any additional charges that are outside of your rate?
        • Do you hold any additional certifications?

        4. Go With an Estate Attorney You Can Afford

          A significant factor to consider when picking the right estate planning attorney is how much they charge and if it’s within your budget. The cost of hiring an estate planning attorney varies depending on factors such as location, the complexity of your estate, and the attorney’s experience.

          Most estate planning attorneys charge in one of three ways:

          • Flat Fees: Many attorneys offer package pricing for common estate planning services, such as drafting a will or creating a trust. These can range from $300 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the documents.
          • Hourly Rates: If your estate requires customized planning, an attorney may charge an hourly rate, typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
          • Retainers: Some attorneys require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing estate planning services.

          While cost is important, choosing the cheapest option could leave gaps in your estate plan. A good estate planning attorney will be transparent about fees and help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Before hiring an attorney, ask for a detailed breakdown of costs and consider whether they offer payment plans or bundled services to keep expenses manageable. Investing in a well-crafted estate plan now can save your family from costly legal battles later.

          Hire a Utah-Based Estate Planning Attorney that Has Your Back

          Are you searching for a trustworthy, vetted estate planning attorney in Utah? Serving Northern Utah with 5-star services, Kelly Cardon Law is a solid choice for you. Our firm offers customized, comprehensive estate planning solutions for Utah residents, including drafting wills, establishing trusts, appointing a Power of Attorney, and more. For over three decades, we’ve been relied upon for thorough, experienced guidance on the estate planning journey for thousands of clients. 
          At Kelly Cardon Law, we understand how important it is to find an estate planning attorney who fits your needs. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing you with personalized guidance that matches your criteria and fulfills your wishes. Contact our firm to learn how we can help you prepare for your future.

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