how to find a good estate lawyer

How do you find an estate planning lawyer?

Apr 16, 2021 · Narrow your list and interview candidates using a prepared set of questions. Ask about and understand each attorney's fees. The prospect of finding an attorney to help you craft your estate plan may seem daunting. But if you have a …

What to look for in an estate planning lawyer?

If necessary, walk into a title company or a real estate office and ask if anyone knows a good lawyer. When you have a list of three attorneys, call them on the phone or email them. Prepare in advance a one page “white paper” that briefly describes your situation.

How to find an estate or trust attorney?

Apr 24, 2009 · Real estate law is somewhat arcane, and there are tricks of the trade in every locality, but I'd rather have you work with your Uncle Joe …

How much will a lawyer charge to write your will?

A good attorney will also adjust your estate plan so that it minimizes taxes and eliminates court costs and interference. You can create a legally binding document that ensures that you have control of your finances, taxes, and medical plans. Why hire an Estate planning attorney "Estate" is the legal term used to define your property and money ...

How to narrow your list of potential attorneys?

1. Have a preliminary phone consultation. Many attorneys will hold a brief interview with you over the phone. Since these take up less time and require less effort than in-person consultations, you can talk to more attorneys this way and use the phone interviews to narrow your list of possible contenders.

What is estate planning?

Planning your estate involves deciding what will happen to your personal property and real estate after you die. The law provides a default scheme for disposing of property, but relying on that involves a lengthy court process and potentially hefty tax consequences for your heirs. The alternative is to plan things out ahead ...

What happens if you don't have liability insurance?

Without liability insurance, you and your heirs could lose everything.

What is the state bar association?

State bar associations often offer a lawyer referral service that enables you to meet briefly with a pre-screened attorney after answering a few general questions about your needs.

Who is Jennifer Mueller?

Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 35,595 times.

How does a trust help you?

A trust can help save on estate taxes, avoid probate (proving in court that a will is valid), save on time and court fees and put conditions on the disposition of your assets after you die. “Often, having a will and trust drafted can cost several thousand dollars,” says Joseph.

Is estate planning a part of financial planning?

Estate planning is a critical part of financial planning, but something many Americans procrastinate about. Yet drafting a will and a health care proxy or power of attorney, maybe creating a trust, and maximizing your loved ones’ inheritances by minimizing taxes are all important matters you don’t want to leave to chance.

Why is it important to have an estate attorney?

A good attorney will also adjust your estate plan so that it minimizes taxes and eliminates court costs and interference. You can create a legally binding document that ensures that you have control of your finances, taxes, and medical plans.

What can an estate planning attorney do for you?

An estate planning attorney will be able to help you legally determine how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and how to distribute them after your death. A good attorney will also adjust your estate plan so that it minimizes taxes and eliminates court costs and interference.