Not all estate planning law firms are created equal. They can vary in the depth of their experience, the comprehensiveness of the services offered, and more. Given that you entrust your estate planning law firm to help you make key decisions about your legacy, your finances, and your family’s well being, it’s crucial to recognize this variance, and to do plenty of due diligence before choosing which estate planning attorney you will work with.
There are five qualities that are especially important to consider as you seek an expert in estate law.
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Lawyer
1) Focus on estate law.
First and foremost, it’s important to find someone who actually specializes in estate planning; someone who has devoted their practice to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate law.
You don’t want to hire an estate planning law firm that spends most of their time working with personal injury cases or addressing contracts between businesses. Instead, you want someone who will lead you to make the best, most informed decisions about your estate planning needs.
2) Local roots.
If you happen to live in California, it’s generally best to find an estate planning attorney who has roots in the area, and a lengthy track record of helping other residents of the state.
Keep in mind that estate planning laws vary quite a bit from one state to the next, so it really does pay to choose an attorney who knows local regulations inside and out. Rather than opting for a big, nationwide firm, ensure your interests are well-served by a local estate planning lawyer.
3) Comprehensive estate planning services.
It’s often assumed that estate planning is all about determining who gets what when you die. This is certainly a key component of estate planning, and reason enough to seek an attorney who can help you with a will and trust.
With that said, estate planning may also be a way for you to ensure your wishes are met, should you become medically incapacitated for any reason. So, it’s best to work with a lawyer who can talk with you about the benefits of an advance healthcare directive, or a financial power of attorney.
04) Expertise in tax planning.
One of the most crucial aspects of estate planning is tax planning. That is, to preserve the full value of your estate, it’s important to take a strategic approach to minimizing any undue estate tax burdens.
This is something that only the most skilled estate planning lawyers will be able to help you with; and it’s certainly a reason to work with a professional, rather than attempt DIY estate planning.
05) Friendly, approachable service.
Finally, just remember that you’ll need to speak candidly with your lawyer about sensitive, sometimes very private issues, ranging from personal financial matters to complicated family dynamics.
It’s important, then, to pick an attorney you feel at ease with. If you meet a lawyer and simply don’t find them to be likable or approachable, that’s reason enough for you to keep searching for a different firm.
Find an Estate Planning Lawyer in Fremont, California
As you search for a good wills trusts and estates attorney, keep all of these characteristics in mind. And, if you’re searching for the right estate planning law expert in the Fremont area, give Singh Law Firm a call.
Our team is devoted to estate planning, and to helping individuals and families throughout the Fremont area. We’d love to speak with you further about who we are and how we can serve you. Contact us at your next opportunity.
