Estate Planning is not black and white or an easy area of law to navigate by yourself without legal counsel. Estate Planning is an area of the law that can have everlasting (and devastating) effects on you and your loved one’s future. As with any legal matter, it is essential to remember to choose a lawyer that specializes in the field that you need assistance. As you would not ask your electrician to fix your broken toilet, selecting a specific attorney in their area of expertise is incredibly important.
Here are some other red flags and things to avoid when you are hiring an estate planning attorney:
Non-Licensed Attorneys
It may seem obvious that when you are making an estate plan, it is essential to seek proper legal advice. Only a licensed attorney can legally give you advice on how to best protect your assets from taxes, probate, and the costs of long-term care. The results of the unauthorized practice of law can be disastrous.
One-Size-Fits-All Planning
There are many general practitioners or legal document websites that can provide you with a basic and non-customized Last Will & Testament for a minimal cost. Be aware that these documents are usually entirely composed of general language and fail to address any individual or state law issues. You are putting yourself in the position to plug in your name and general information and hope for the best. Every family and situation is unique and each estate plan must be customized to account for the differences. Attorneys who truly focus on estate planning can provide an adequately customized plan which specifically addresses your needs and goals based on where you are in life.
Big Picture Attorney
An extra bonus is an attorney who also does some Probate and/or Trust Administration —now there’s an attorney who actually sees how their [and others] Estate Plans play out. MOST of the Formal Probates I do are the result of a flawed Estate Plan generated by either a website, a DIYer or what I refer to as a “Will Mill” —a practice that doesn’t give any thought to their client’s individual circumstances or what the practical result of putting a client’s request into their Will will be.
Carefully selecting the right attorney for the job has a monetary and potentially poignant impact down the road. Take the time to research your options and be sure to consult with a professional who is experienced and proficient in the field of Estate Planning.
