How to Choose a Qualified, Competent
Estate Planning Lawyer
Tip #1: Choose an asset protection and estate planning attorney. Other attorneys simply don’t have the knowledge, skill, judgment or experience to plan your estate and protect your property.
Tip #2: Choose an attorney you trust. Nothing is more important in a lawyer/client relationship than having a lawyer you trust.
Tip #3: Choose an attorney who designs your estate plan herself. You hire the lawyer because of the depth of her knowledge, skill, judgment and experience. Certainly, you want the lawyer (and not her secretary or paralegal) to design your estate plan based on your circumstances and goals.
Tip #4: Choose an attorney who provides excellent service. Anything less is not acceptable.
Tip #5: Choose an attorney who welcomes your questions -- and structures meetings by allowing enough time to answer questions. High-volume practices have short appointments so they can move clients quickly through the process. I don’t know about you, but this is not the level of service I expect when I hire a lawyer.
Tip #6: Choose an attorney who returns your phone calls quickly. You should never hire a lawyer who won’t respond promptly to your needs.
Tip #7: Choose an attorney who has roots in the community. This attorney cares about her reputation and is more likely to be available in the future when you need help.
Tip #8: Choose an attorney who is a respected source of information -- one who has dedicated her practice to educating clients so they understand their estate planning alternatives and make informed, intelligent decisions.
Tip #9: Choose an attorney who charges fair fees. At best, you get what you pay for. Most people do not shop for the cheapest doctor. Instead, they focus on the doctor’s qualifications and experience. You should apply the same principle when selecting an attorney who is skilled at Asset Protection and Estate Planning. If the fee is too low, the lawyer may be leaving something out. Make sure the fee you pay and the services you receive are of equal value.
Tip #10: Choose an attorney who asks for and receives detailed information regarding your family and assets. As surprising as this sounds, some attorneys don’t get detailed information from families. If they don’t get this information, whose asset protection and estate plan are they planning?
Tip #11: Choose an attorney who provides free telephone consultations. You never know when something might come up.
Tip #12: Choose an attorney who offers free initial consultations. Shouldn’t you be able to talk with the lawyer for free before you decide whether to hire her?
Also, ask specific questions about your estate and your objectives, such as: How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me? Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at age 18? Can I protect my children’s money from creditors? How can I leave money for my child’s education?
- Do you have questions or concerns about your asset protection and estate plan?
- Do you want to avoid the high costs and time delays of probate?
- Do you have a disabled child who has special needs?
- Do you want to protect your assets from lawsuits?
If so, you’re invited to call Celeste Luce at (775) 337-2424 or
E-mail her at Celeste@Celeste-Luce-Estate-Planning.com