Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring An Attorney For Your Estate Planning

Most people leave estate planning for when they are well-settled or retired. Unfortunately, delaying your estate plan can leave your family fighting messy legal battles that take years to settle. If you are already considering preparing an estate plan, you will need the guidance of an estate planning attorney.

With the help of an expert, you don't have to stress about procedures and paperwork. An attorney helps you distribute your wealth and property as per your desires, to family, friends, and the charitable causes close to your heart. They also help you foresee legal troubles based on a variety of situations.

If you're looking for assistance with your estate plan, here's a list of the top five things to look for when hiring a trust attorney.

1. Expertise.

When hiring an estate planning attorney, you should look for someone with experience in the area. One should ask the attorney about how long he/she has been practicing in this area and if he/she has dealt with an estate like yours.

2. Comfort.

You are going to be discussing your death, your assets, your family and a number of other personal and private matters. You need to hire an attorney or a law firm that makes you feel comfortable for this purpose. If you are uncomfortable in the consultation, that is not the law firm to hire.

3. Clear expectations.

You want to hire a firm which gives you a clear picture of what you can expect. If you come to an estate planning attorney looking to set up your estate, you need to leave from that consultation with a clear goal and a definite plan. You may certainly change your mind about whether or not you'd like to include a trust or the type of special instructions for your living will, but your expectations about timelines and contacts from the law firm should be clear at the outset.

4. Discussion of options.

The law firm should discuss your goals for your estate and multiple options to show you how to accomplish your goals. You should feel free to discuss the possibilities put forth by the law firm so you can choose the best option.

5. Flat-rates.

Estate plans are generally billed at flat rates. As it's not a litigation matter, your attorney shouldn't charge hourly rates. Law firms with expertise should be able to charge a flat rate as they will be aware of the approximate amount of time required to accomplish your goals.

If you're looking for an Estate Planning Attorney in and around West Palm Beach, Florida, reach out to The Quattro Firm, L.L.C. We are a trusted law firm because we focus on our client's full needs, not just their legal requirements. A complete understanding of what you need allows us to advocate with compassion. We concentrate on family law, marital contracts, commercial and civil litigation, and estate planning.

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