Guidelines for hiring an Estate Planning Attorney

Every American can benefit from estate planning, regardless of their age, family structure, and financial status. The purpose of estate planning is to control how your assets will be managed, divided, and distributed after your demise. Many people do not realize the significance of creating a comprehensive estate plan, and their family has to suffer the consequences when they are not around anymore. If you have decided to invest some of your time and money in estate planning, you have taken the first step towards guaranteeing financial security and peace of mind for your loved ones. Estate Planning Attorney in Pflugerville, TX, can help you develop an estate plan that is tailored to your needs and ambitions.

The following tips will help you find and work with a reliable estate planning attorney:

Don’t Act in Haste

It is recommended to look for an attorney near you, though it wouldn’t be wise to settle for the first one you come across in your neighborhood. Attorney shopping is an important step, as you need to hire someone who is truly qualified for the job. The person you choose to manage the affairs of your estate should be someone who is proficient in this field. Consult a few different attorneys for comparison, and determine if you should look further.

Trust your Gut over Advertisements

Don’t fall for the cheesy ads because renowned attorneys in the field don’t need them. Law firms with a good reputation in the market do not employ superficial advertising to attract customers. Kitsch slogans and taglines are the work of immature on inexperienced agencies. Many newcomers in the industry excel at work and charge less, but it is hard to ignore the risk factor. At the end of the day, go for an attorney that you feel comfortable working with. Effective communication and compatibility must play an active role in the decision-making process.  

Enquire about Cases and Publications

It helps to know about the attorney’s past practice and test their knowledge by asking questions relevant to their field of law. The best lawyers in the industry publish articles, essays, and books, which reflect their wisdom and experience. Therefore, you should look at an attorney’s publications, as their writing can reveal a lot about their personality and work ethic.

Check for Malpractice Insurance

An attorney who possesses malpractice insurance can be trusted. However, many law firms do not carry this type of insurance policy, since it is not compulsory. The advantage of this insurance is that if a lawyer acts in bad faith, you will be compensated for your damages. If you have a large estate, a confidant may end up defrauding you for personal gains. Malpractice insurance will safeguard you from these kind of threats.

Look for Referrals

It is usually easier to work with someone you get acquainted with through a reference. If someone you trust suggests an attorney, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. If you are wondering that who would be familiar with a competent estate planning expert, then that would be anyone who deals in finance. For example, the accountant at your workplace, your real estate insurer, or your business financial advisor is likely to be helpful. Added advantage of collaborating through a referral is that they will exercise caution (for the sake of an old client/friend), and perhaps offer some concession in fees.

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