If you’ve recently lost a loved one or are planning for the future, you may want to consider hiring an estate planning attorney. These attorneys are highly specialized professionals who can help you with everything from distributing assets to ensuring your final wishes are carried out.
There are many things to look for when choosing the right estate planning attorney for your situation, including their expertise and experience in your area of law. It’s also important to ensure that they’re the right fit for you and your family.
The best way to find the right estate planning attorney for you is to do some research and ask questions. You can do this by talking with friends and family members, asking financial professionals such as accountants and insurance agents for recommendations, or searching online for a list of certified estate planning attorneys in your local area. Click here for more details.
A good estate planning lawyer should welcome your questions and answer them in an understandable manner. They should not speak in legalese you cannot translate or make you feel uneasy.
You should also choose an attorney who is familiar with the laws in your state and county, especially if you have multiple properties. This will help you to avoid costly errors when it comes to transferring property and managing your assets.
An estate plan is an ongoing process, and it should be reviewed periodically to make sure that your wishes are upheld and your goals are met. The right estate planner can help you update and implement an estate plan that will protect your family and beneficiaries and reduce your tax burden.
Some of the most common services offered by an estate planner include preparing a will, creating an irrevocable trust, and advising you on tax issues related to inheritance and estate planning. Some of these services may be included in their fees, while others will cost additional.
Wills are the primary tool used to determine how your assets will be distributed. They’re usually the first documents prepared by an estate planning attorney and can be simple or complex. A will outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets after your death and explains who should be named as executor.
A living will, health care power of attorney, and health care proxies are other types of documents that can be drafted by an estate planning lawyer to designate what type of medical treatment you wish or don’t wish to receive should you become unable to make your own decisions. These documents can be a vital part of an estate plan, as they provide a document that enables someone else to act on your behalf if you become unable to make your own decisions.
The right attorney will be able to explain your options and help you to create a plan that works for you. They’ll take the time to listen to your needs and concerns and to develop a plan that is customized for your unique circumstances.