After much thought and soul-searching you have finally decided the time is right to create your estate plan.  Congratulations!  But wait, how do you find the right attorney to help you in this endeavor?  Opening the phone book to “L” for Lawyer won’t yield the best results. You don’t want just any attorney, you want and experienced attorney who will answer your particular needs.  Here are five steps to help you find that attorney:

1. Get a referral from a friend or other trusted advisor.  A good friend is likely to have needs and preferences similar to your own, and a current advisor is already familiar with your financial situation.  A referral from either of these sources is a good place to start looking, and more likely than any other source to provide you with an attorney who is compatible with your family.

2. Attend an estate planning seminar in your area.  Many estate planning attorneys host complimentary public educational seminars.  Attending one of these seminars is an ideal way to learn about the estate planning process, while getting a feel for the attorney in a low-pressure environment.  If you “click” with the attorney, chances are you can make an appointment right then and there to meet further.  If you don’t like the attorney, you walk away with more knowledge than you had before.

3. Research your attorney’s background. There are many groups and organizations that can help you learn about an attorney’s history, experience, and public record, including the American Bar Association (ABA).  Contacting your local bar association, or a quick search online, can be worth the time.

4. Make an appointment to meet with and interview your attorney. Most law firms will make complimentary introductory appointments for new clients.  These are short (15-30 minutes), but even a short appointment can be enough to give you a feel for whether a firm is right for you.  In addition to interviewing the attorney, take note of the office and staff; are the surroundings comforting and friendly, does the staff seem happy and helpful?  This is just as important as the education and experience of the attorney.

5. Ask about the price. Let’s face it, money matters. You may not want the same estate plan as the Rockefellers, but neither do you want a canned will that won’t hold up in court.  Discuss price ranges with your attorney at your first interview.  Don’t pay for more than you need, but be ready (and willing) to pay for quality work and service. 

With these five steps you will be well on your way to finding the perfect attorney for your estate planning needs.  Good luck and happy hunting!

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