how to find an estate planning lawyer

How to find a good estate planning attorney?

Apr 16, 2021 · These 3 steps can help you streamline the process of finding an attorney who is right for you. 1. Search for candidates Start by identifying what you need to accomplish with your estate plan. That information will help you determine the type of attorney you'll need.

What are the benefits of hiring an estate planning attorney?

You've come to the right place. Estate planning lawyers help people write instructions for the future handling of their property, finances, healthcare, and the future support and care of their loved ones. Use FindLaw to hire a local estate planning lawyer near you to establish a guardianship, draft documents like wills, trusts, and durable power of attorney for healthcare.

What should you look for in an estate planning attorney?

From estate planning to family law and divorce to criminal defense, choosing the right type of lawyer is the first step toward attaining legal counsel. Other reasons to hire an attorney in Californiainvolve labor laws, wrongful termination, retirement planning, asset protection, and executing power of attorney forms .

What makes a good estate planning lawyer?

Estate planning lawyers understand the complex legal issues that can come about with living trusts. Lawyer Referral Service: Attorney Search Network can help you find estate planning lawyers in your area. Contact Attorney Search Network for an estate planning lawyer referral today and get started on establishing your living trust.

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.

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 ...

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 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.

What happens if you don't have liability insurance?

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

What is attorney search network?

Attorney Search Network can help you find estate planning lawyers in your area. Contact Attorney Search Network for an estate planning lawyer referral today and get started on establishing your living trust.

What is a living trust?

Those who manage a trust's assets are called the trustee. Trustees can be spouses, relatives, friends or qualified corporations.

Can a living trust be a court order?

Living trusts are not under court supervision, which means in some cases, a trustee may be able to take advantage of you. The costs of preparing a living trust could be higher than drafting a will. Living trusts can also create additional paperwork. Lenders may not lend a trust and could require that real property be taken out of the trust before agreeing to a loan on that property.

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.

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.