Selecting an estate planning lawyer may be as important a decision as choosing a school or a future spouse. Because it is so crucial, clients should follow these useful tips on choosing an Estate Planning Lawyer in Bainbridge Island. With a different perspective on the process, many may find it easier to make a choice.
Area of Focus
The most important tip on choosing an estate lawyer is to choose a firm with a focus on this area of law. There are so many different practice areas in the legal field, and clients should be wary of lawyers who claim to handle all areas equally well. Estate law is a particularly complex area, and it mandates that the lawyer narrow his or her focus to provide clients with competent advice.
Research
As with other important purchases, consumers should do some preliminary research before hiring an attorney. An online presence is a critical part of a lawyer’s credibility, and it can provide clues as to the attorney’s skill, ability and focus.
Perceptiveness
When it’s time to meet the lawyer for a preliminary consultation, they should consider the client’s entire family and financial picture. Good estate planning requires a full analysis of the plan’s tax consequences, the family’s needs, the existence of non-probated assets, beneficiary designations and retirement assets. The lawyer’s job is to gather as much info as possible to form a solid plan.
Fee Transparency
Attorneys in the estate planning field typically have a clear idea of the fees involved, and they can usually provide estimates before a client makes a hiring decision. Conversely, the lawyer should not quote a firm fee until they thoroughly assess the client’s situation. If an attorney quotes a fee before they learn anything about the case, the client should be skeptical-;and they should expect a higher fee in the end.
Many people do not like to think about estate planning because it forces them to consider their own mortality, but it is a necessary part of life. By looking for an Estate Planning Lawyer in Bainbridge Island with the qualities listed here, a client can simplify the process of planning an estate, and they can ensure that they leave a good legacy for the family.
