Estate planning is not something to which most people look forward because it's associated with mortality, but it's important to think of the next generation. If you want your assets passed down to them without incident, you're going to need to make smart decisions. Fortunately, if you hire the right estate planning attorney, most of those decisions can be made for you. On the other hand, if you hire the wrong estate planning attorney, you could end up paying a lot more than necessary — and all of your assets might not go to the right place. (For more, see: Getting Started on Your Estate Plan.)
The Right Questions
These 10 questions should help you find the right estate planning attorney:
- What is your experience in dealing with trusts and estates? The quality of this answer will depend on your requirements, but you definitely want to hire someone who has been in the business for a minimum of three years.
- How long will it take you to complete my estate planning project? In most cases, there is no rush. The key is to avoid the probate process (more on this soon). (For more, see: 3 Secrets You Didn't Know About Estate Planning.)
- Will you send estate planning documentation for me to review? Even if you're working with the most experienced estate planning attorney in the world, you want to review documentation to make sure everything is set up as you intended. Your attorney may be highly skilled, but there's always the possibility of a miscommunication.
- Will you be able to assist me with funding my assets into a revocable living trust? Not all estate planning attorneys will help fund a trust. Assets also must be titled in your name while you're alive. (For more, see: Establishing A Revocable Living Trust.)
- Do you offer a formal updating and maintenance program? For a small fee, some estate planning attorneys will offer a semi-annual or annual review. This is important because there may be changes to laws and taxes, as well as to your life. In regards to the latter, adjustments to your estate might be necessary. (For more, see: Estate Planning Tips for Your Elderly and Passed Clients.)
- Do you quote a fixed price after reviewing my estate planning project? You want this answer to be yes. Any estate planning attorney who charges by the hour is not likely to be acting in your best interest, and knowing the charges are hourly, you're not likely to be very comfortable. Also, some estate planning attorneys will switch from a fixed rate to an hourly rate after a certain amount of work is complete. Be sure to inquire about this possibility so you're not surprised down the road.
- If you're not available and I need help with something, will anyone else in your office be familiar enough with my estate to help if I have a question? Most estate planning attorneys will make themselves available, so this shouldn't be a big concern, but it's still a good question to ask.
- If any unexpected issues arise that are indirectly related to my estate, will you be able to help? You're not looking for a specific answer here. This is more about seeing how the attorney responds. Is he or she willing to offer a little extra? Or is the response all-business and cold? It's important that you work with someone with whom you feel comfortable. (For more, see: 5 Ways to Mess Up Estate Planning.)
- Is your primary focus on estate planning? You're looking for a yes.
- How do we (or I) avoid the probate process? If the attorney directs you toward a will and probate, he might be more focused on his income than your estate planning project. The probate process is expensive and time-consuming. According to LegalZoom, probate costs total $2 billion per year, with $1.5 billion attributed to attorney fees. If, on the other hand, an estate planning attorney guides you toward a living trust, he or she is much more likely to have good intentions. (For more, see: Skipping-Out on Probate Costs.)
The Bottom Line
Every situation is different, but asking an estate planning attorney these 10 questions should provide you with a lot of information to help you decide whether she is the best option for you, which also would mean the best option for your spouse and/or children. (For more, see: 6 Estate Planning Must-Haves.)
