Our Livingston and Macomb County Lawyers Discuss How to Choose an Estate Planning Lawyer That’s Right for You
You may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of finding an estate planning lawyer to help you create your estate plan when there are so many attorneys to choose from. However, it is important to find an experienced estate planning lawyer who can develop an estate plan that honors your wishes and takes care of your loved ones when you no longer can.
At Estate Planning & Elder Care Firm of Michigan, our legal team is committed to helping you create a comprehensive estate plan that fulfills your specific needs, protects your assets, and makes the probate process go as smoothly and quickly as possible. Below, we share tips on what to look for when selecting an estate planning attorney.
What to Look for When Choosing an Estate Planning Lawyer in Michigan
If you die without a will or trust, your assets would distributed to your heirs under Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.2102 and Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.2103, Michigan’s intestate succession laws. This could result in your property being transferred to family members you do not want to provide for or in a distribution scheme that doesn’t honor your wishes.
The first step in preventing this is to choose the right estate planning lawyer to create your estate plan. Important qualities to consider when hiring an attorney include:
- Experience. Choose a lawyer who devotes a large part of their practice to estate planning so they have experience navigating the complicated laws you must consider when developing your estate plan. They will know the essential terms to include in your will and the other documents you should have, such as a financial power of attorney and a living will. They will also be able to help you decide if you need a living trust.
- Testimonials. You should look for an attorney with a successful track record working with satisfied clients. Our legal team has decades of experience successfully creating estate plans, which you can learn about by reviewing the many testimonials on our website.
- Clear communication. It’s important to work with an estate planning lawyer who has good communication skills and uses language you can understand. At Estate Planning & Elder Care Firm of Michigan, we will explain your options and answer your questions in a clear and understandable manner. We will also listen to you and provide solutions tailored to your situation and concerns.
- Fee structure. A good estate planning attorney will explain how they will charge for their services at your initial consultation. At our firm, we offer a free strategy session where we discuss your concerns, how we can assist you, and how much we will charge you for our attorney fees.
- Prompt communication. You also need to be sure that a lawyer you are considering will keep you updated on the status of your estate plan and be available if you have questions. Our legal team is committed to keeping our clients informed on our progress and being available to answer questions or concerns.
How to Find a Skilled Michigan Estate Planning Lawyer
How do you find attorneys with the qualities you are looking for in an estate planning lawyer if you don’t have one you’ve worked with in the past? There are several ways you can approach your search:
- Recommendation. If you have used an attorney for another legal matter, they may know an estate planning lawyer they would recommend. You can also ask family, friends, and co-workers if they have worked with an attorney who drafted their estate planning documents that they were happy with.
- Referral. The Michigan State Bar or your county bar association may be able to refer you to a lawyer. You can also search for attorneys and see if they are in good standing at the Michigan State Bar website.
- Internet search. You can also search for lawyers online, being sure to review their websites carefully. Look for helpful articles about estate planning, testimonials from estate planning clients, bios for the lawyers in the firm, and an easy way for you to contact them to schedule a free consultation.
No matter how you find a prospective lawyer, you should check with the Michigan State Bar to see if any complaints have been filed against them.
Once you have narrowed your list of candidates, take advantage of their free strategy session offer and schedule an appointment. You should come to your appointment with a list of questions about their experience, fee structure, and the type of estate plan they recommend for you.
Benefits of Hiring Our Estate Planning Lawyers
At Estate Planning & Elder Care Firm of Michigan, we will listen to your concerns and wishes for your estate plan. Our legal team will create a plan that meets your needs, including potential challenges such as how to provide for your minor children or a family member with special needs. We will also be sure you fully understand your options so you can make the best decisions for your family and you. We’ll also be here for you if your life changes and you need to modify your estate plan so that it continues to work for you in the ways you want.