When you are trying to choose an estate planning attorney, there are certain things you should consider before making your final decision. By obtaining certain information from prospective estate planning lawyers, you'll be able to determine who can best serve your needs. Below are some things to consider when choosing an estate planning attorney in Michigan.
Specialization
When it comes to estate planning, specialization is important. In other words, you should choose an attorney who focuses heavily on estate planning. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your attorney must solely practice estate planning. It just means that the attorney you choose should devote at least a portion of his or her practice to this area.
Experience
Experience is essential when choosing an estate planning attorney. Even if a prospective attorney devotes a significant portion of his or her practice to estate planning, it’s important to find out how long he or she has been practicing in this area. Generally speaking, the more experience in estate planning an attorney has, the better off you’ll be.
Cost and payment structure
Cost is a major consideration for most people when choosing an attorney. Therefore, you should discuss this subject with your prospective Michigan estate planning attorney during your initial consultation. In addition, you should also determine your prospective attorney’s pay structure. For example, some estate planning attorney charge by the hour, while others work for a flat fee. However, don’t focus solely on cost when choosing an estate planning attorney. An attorney with low fees but little experience, for example, could end up costing you additional money in the long run.
Communication
Be sure to choose an attorney who will communicate with you openly and allow you to participate in the estate planning process. One way to gauge this is by broaching the subject during your initial consultation. When meeting a prospective attorney, ask whether he or she is willing to share your estate planning documentation with you as it is prepared. When an attorney is willing to involve you in the process, this prevents misunderstandings and demonstrates a desire to work with you in a collaborative manner.
Michigan Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate planning can be complicated, and it’s easy to overlook important legal steps when attempting to navigate the process by yourself. Therefore, we highly recommend that you consider contacting an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss your options. Establishing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Proper estate planning not only puts you in charge of your finances, but it can also significantly reduce the expense, delay, and frustration experienced by your family upon your passing or incapacitation. If you’d like to begin the estate planning process, please
contact one of our experienced Michigan attorneys for a consultation.