Do you feel that choosing an estate planning attorney near you, who can help you create a good estate plan,. is an overwhelming task? It certainly can feel daunting and you may not know where to begin. With these tips, however, it can be easier to narrow your choices to a few qualified attorneys. Let us discuss four sources for trustworthy referrals to help you choose an estate planning attorney near you.
- Ask Your Financial Advisor or Accountant for Recommendations.
Estate planning can be a critical part of financial planning. Drafting a last will and testament and a health care proxy or power of attorney, creating a trust, and maximizing your loved ones’ inheritances by minimizing taxes can all be important financial matters that require the expertise of an estate planning attorney. If your financial advisor or accountant have not already brought up estate planning, tell them that you want to choose an estate planning attorney near you, and ask them who did their estate plan.
- Ask Your Friends for Referrals.
While a staggering number of people do not have estate plans, there are many who do. Ask your friends if they have a will or a trust, and if so, who the attorney was that drafted it. Let friends know that you want to choose an estate planning attorney near you, and that you want to know if they worked with a great attorney.
- Ask Other Attorneys.
You may have already worked with an attorney on another matter, such as setting up a business, buying a home, or reviewing a contract. Lawyers may be happy to refer their clients to other lawyers who practice in other areas of expertise, and they want to refer you to good attorneys so that you will trust them again when you next need assistance. Ask your former attorney who did his or her estate plan, and let him or her know that you want to choose an estate planning attorney near you.
- Contact the State or Local Bar Association.
State and local bar associations offer referral services or a searchable directory of attorneys with their practice areas. These services make choosing an estate planning attorney near you as easy as a Google search.
For all of your estate planning needs, our office is here to help. Together, we have over 40 years of trusted experience right here in Florida, and nationwide. Contact us on our website or by calling us at 850-386-2171 today.