Important Questions to Ask When Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning is something that you want to get right. After all, there are no "re dos" after you're gone. Here are six questions to ask an attorney before hiring them to do your estate plan.
1. Will my plan cover incapacity?
How does the plan address potential incapacity, and what documents are included to address this concern?
Are there specific provisions in the plan for healthcare directives and powers of attorney?
Will the attorney review and prepare real estate documents?
2. Can you assist with transferring real estate into a trust or other planning entity to avoid probate?
What other real estate-related documents or considerations are included in the estate plan?
If I am implementing a trust, will the attorney help me fund that trust?
3. What steps will you take to ensure assets are properly titled or designated to align with the trust?
Are there ongoing obligations or recommendations for maintaining trust funding?
Will my plan include instructions for implementation?
4. How do you ensure that my loved ones will know how to execute the plan in practical terms?
Will there be a comprehensive guide or instructions provided alongside the legal documents?
Does the attorney charge for reviews?
5. What is the policy for reviewing and updating the estate plan?
Are there additional fees associated with periodic reviews or updates?
Can the attorney provide examples or scenarios where the estate plan has been successfully implemented in similar cases?
6. How accessible will the attorney be for questions or concerns that may arise after the plan is completed?
Are there any ongoing services or resources provided to clients beyond the initial estate planning process?
By asking these questions, you can ensure that the attorney you hire is not only capable of creating the necessary legal documents but also committed to helping you understand and implement your estate plan effectively.
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