Home » Blog » How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney: Essential Tips and Questions to Ask
How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney: Essential Tips and Questions to Ask

How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney: Essential Tips and Questions to Ask

Troy Werner and his family

Written by Troy Werner

Troy Werner has been an indispensable asset to The Werner Law Firm since joining in 2009, providing exceptional legal service to its clients.

Get To Know Troy!
POSTED ON: March 12, 2024

Estate planning is critical to ensuring your legacy and wishes are respected. Choosing the right estate planning attorney is essential to this process. This article provides tips for selecting an attorney to serve your needs best and guide you through crafting a comprehensive estate plan.

Understanding the Role of an Estate Planning Attorney

An estate planning attorney focuses on helping clients create a plan for managing their assets and affairs after their passing. This often includes drafting wills, setting up trusts, and ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes. The right attorney can help you avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and provide peace of mind.

The Importance of Professional Guidance in Estate Planning

When looking for an estate planning attorney, it's crucial to find someone knowledgeable in this area of law. Estate law is complex and constantly evolving. An attorney experienced in estate planning will have the knowledge and skill set to effectively manage your estate and trust needs.

Assessing Your Estate Planning Needs

Before choosing an attorney, consider the complexity of your estate. Do you have a simple estate, or are multiple properties, businesses, and beneficiaries involved? The complexity of your estate will determine the level of guidance you need from your attorney.

Questions to Ask Potential Estate Planning Attorneys

When meeting with potential attorneys, ask about their experience in estate planning. Inquire about the types of clients they typically work with and their approach to crafting an estate plan. This will help you gauge if their experience aligns with your needs.

The Role of Trusts in Your Estate Plan

Discuss the role of trusts in your estate plan with the attorney. Trusts can be essential for managing your assets, avoiding probate, and reducing estate taxes. Your attorney should be able to advise on the right type of trust for your situation.

Understanding Attorney Fees and Billing Practices

Ask each attorney about their fee structure. Many estate-planning attorneys charge a flat fee for certain services, while others may bill hourly. Understanding how the attorney will charge for their services is crucial in selecting the right professional.

The Benefits of a Comprehensive Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond just a will. It can include trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. Ensure that the attorney you choose is adept at creating a plan that covers all aspects of your estate.

Evaluating the Attorney's Communication Style

Your relationship with your estate planning attorney will be personal, as they will be privy to the personal details of your life and finances. Choose an attorney you feel comfortable communicating with and who understands your unique needs and concerns.

Seeking Referrals and Checking Credentials

Ask for referrals from friends, family, or a financial advisor. Check the attorney's credentials and ensure that they are in good standing with the state bar association. Referral services can also be a valuable resource in finding a qualified attorney.

Making the Final Decision: Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney

Choosing the right estate planning attorney ultimately comes down to trust and comfort. You want to feel confident in their capacity and comfortable with their approach. Take the time to consult with several attorneys and choose the one that best aligns with your needs and values.

If you want to set up a complete and comprehensive estate plan that meets your unique needs and provides peace of mind for the future, we can help. Our experienced probate attorneys in Los Angeles can guide you through it.

If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.

You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.

Share This Post

Why Our Living Trust Law Firm & Probate Attorneys?

Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner and serving California for over 48 years, our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.

Whether you need help creating a living trust or navigating probate, our living trust law firm's compassionate team of estate planning lawyers and probate lawyers are here to help you and ready to answer your questions.

Our goal is to make your case as easy as possible for you. Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your case, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. We cannot change the fact that probate is a long and complicated process, but through our Werner Law Firm Difference, we strive to go out of our way to keep you informed of your case through every step of the way. We are constantly refining our processes and procedures for a more streamlined and calm client experience. Our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one

If you're dealing with a legal matter, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.

Book an Initial Call Now

Join Our eNewsletter and our California Estate Planning and Probate Blog Digest

Werner Law Firm logo
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. See full disclaimer here.
Santa Clarita, CA Office

27433 Tourney Rd, Suite 200
Santa Clarita, California 91355

DIRECTIONS
Los Angeles, CA Office

445 S. Figueroa St., Suite 3100
Los Angeles, California 90071

DIRECTIONS
Bakersfield, CA Office

4900 California Ave, Tower B-210
Bakersfield, California 93309

DIRECTIONS
Newport Beach, CA Office

23 Corporate Plaza Dr., Suite 150
Newport Beach, California 92660

DIRECTIONS
Lancaster, CA Office

626 W Lancaster Blvd.,
Lancaster, California 93534

DIRECTIONS
Pasadena, CA Office

35 North Lake Avenue, Suite 710
Pasadena, California 91101

DIRECTIONS
Simi Valley, CA Office

2655 First St, Suite 250
Simi Valley, CA Office, California 93065

DIRECTIONS
Encino, CA Office

15760 Ventura Blvd, Suite 700
Encino, California 91436

DIRECTIONS
Oxnard, CA Office

300 E Esplanade Dr., 9th Floor
Oxnard, California 93036

DIRECTIONS
Santa Barbara, CA Office

7 W. Figueroa St., Suite 200
Santa Barbara, California 93101

DIRECTIONS
IMS - Estate Planning and Elder Law Practice Growth Advisors
Powered by