Individuals who want to make sure their loved ones are taken care of after they pass away should hire an estate planning attorney. A professional can draft documents, explain complex tax matters and help individuals with their assets. Visit website.
When choosing an estate planning attorney, it’s important to consider their experience and expertise. They should also stay up-to-date on changes in laws and regulations.
Experience
An experienced estate planning attorney can help individuals create a comprehensive plan for managing assets during life, transferring them upon death, and minimizing taxes and fees. They should be familiar with state laws and probate procedures, as well as the different types of investments and accounts that may need to be included in an individual’s estate.
It is also helpful to find out whether an attorney has special research skills, as this can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. Additionally, it is important to ask an attorney about the amount of time they typically spend on client cases.
Another question to ask is whether the attorney stays current with changes in state laws, which is vital for ensuring that an estate plan is up-to-date and properly reflects the wishes of an individual. This can also be determined by asking an attorney how often they conduct reviews of their clients’ estate plans.
Fees
When you meet with an estate planning attorney, it’s best to have a clear understanding of fees upfront. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others offer a flat fee arrangement for specific types of estate plans. You’ll also want to find out if there are any additional costs, such as document preparation or tax filing fees.
A majority of attorneys don’t charge a fee for the first meeting, which is usually a 30- to 60-minute conversation either in person or over the phone. This allows the attorney to gain insight into your financial situation and family dynamics before starting on your case.
However, the time spent meeting with you may take away from billable hours that he could spend on other matters. For this reason, many estate planning attorneys use a retainer policy where they ask clients for a prepayment of their anticipated hourly cost and then draw from that amount as they work on your case.
Reputation
Estate planning attorneys help people draft legal documents that communicate their wishes and determine how their assets will be distributed upon their death. They also work on other legal documents such as letters of intent, powers of attorney, and trusts. A good estate lawyer should have a solid reputation among their peers in the community.
It is important to choose an attorney that has a comprehensive understanding of establishing a living trust and a deep knowledge of estate law in New York. A qualified attorney will be able to assist you with issues like elder care, medicaid, long term care and even property tax laws.
It is best to find an attorney through referrals from trusted sources like family members, friends and financial advisors. Ask them to recommend attorneys they have worked with in the past. You can also check for references online. You should also consider working with an attorney who specializes in your unique situation.
Communication
Whether they are discussing complex legal issues or sensitive family details, estate planning attorneys must be able to communicate effectively with their clients. This includes listening attentively and answering questions in a way that is easy to understand. They must also be able to work with other professionals on the client’s team, including financial advisors and accountants.
In addition to these critical skills, estate planning attorneys should have good organizational abilities. For example, they should know how to identify trends in payment patterns and client behavior by analyzing historical invoice data. This can help them make better resource allocation decisions and engage in proactive financial planning.
Additionally, estate planning attorneys should keep up with changes in state and federal law that could impact their clients’ plans. They may also choose to pursue additional credentials to become more knowledgeable in their practice areas. For instance, they might obtain a Master of Law in Taxation (LLM). This requires one or two more years of study but can give them an edge in the competition.