There are thousands of lawyers practicing in every state, which makes it quite difficult for people to know which lawyer they should hire when they need guidance and/or services. While only a few people need criminal law services during their lives, almost every adult could potentially benefit from establishing an estate plan with the assistance of a lawyer.
Some people make the mistake of turning to the same attorney who helped them during their divorce for estate planning matters. Others just pick the first name that comes up when they perform an internet search. Choosing the right attorney for estate planning services requires learning a bit about the different lawyers nearby who can assist with establishing an estate plan.
What characteristics should clients look for when investigating different estate planning attorneys?
Experience and specialization
A lawyer who has specialized knowledge related to probate statutes in different estate planning documents can be more helpful than an attorney who only has a cursory awareness of estate planning rules and documents. Ensuring that an attorney has established a trust or created custom powers of attorney before can help people hire someone with the right experience.
Trustworthiness and transparency
An attorney generally has a fiduciary duty to their clients. They should act in the client’s best interests. Looking into a lawyer’s reputation can help people determine if they are about to hire a lawyer who deserves their trust. Additionally, transparency is a key consideration. A lawyer who provides upfront information about their pricing and the estate planning process is likely a better option than attorneys who refuse to provide clear information about their fees and an outline of what they think is appropriate.
A compassionate nature
People need an attorney who can be sensitive to their personal concerns. Maybe they have a child with special needs who requires a trust for their long-term protection. Perhaps they find themselves struggling with a major medical issue that could leave them incapacitated or result in their premature mortality. An attorney who has the right attitude toward their clients can handle these complex matters in a compassionate way instead of being crass or sensitive.
Good communication skills and attentiveness
Some attorneys lack people skills even though they are excellent with paperwork and court procedures. It can be very difficult to work with an attorney whose communication style does not mesh well with how the client communicates. Additionally, their attention to a client’s concerns is also of the utmost importance. Some lawyers fall into the trap of consistently using the same documents and terms in every case instead of listening carefully and customizing the process based on what their clients desire.
Finding the right attorney can help people feel more confident about their estate plans. Those who take the time to look carefully for the right lawyer may ultimately feel more satisfied with their efforts.