Five Things to Consider When Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, estate planning activity has been accelerated in Florida. However, many people remain without one. 41% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 and 34% of people between 35 and 54 in America have never taken a step to discuss estate planning with probate lawyers. The probable reason is that people in Florida don’t know where to start. 

They can hire Florida probate lawyers as the best option to simplify estate planning. Do you want to protect your money and property and transfer them to your loved ones after your life? This blog will guide you through the five things to be considered when hiring an estate planning lawyer. 

Five Factors to Consider When Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

Experience of the Attorney in Estate Planning

• If you want to hire an estate planning lawyer, consider their experience a crucial factor. 
• More than their experience in law, try to understand how long they have been practicing in areas like probate, trusts, and estate planning.
• You will get high-quality service from an estate planning lawyer with hands-on experience.

Percentage of the Attorney’s Practice in Estate Planning

• Another important factor to consider is the percentage of the attorney’s practice devoted to estate planning, trusts, and probate. 
• Even if your attorney has been technically practicing in these for years, verifying whether they have worked on estate planning in recent months is crucial. If not, they may not be up-to-date on the current estate planning laws and complexities.
• It is crucial to ensure the attorney is up-to-date with estate planning laws so that you get the proper help and guidance.

Knowledge and Interest of the Attorney in Your Case

• It is one of the foremost factors to consider whether the attorney possesses knowledge of legal complexities and is interested in your estate planning.
• For instance, if you have a considerable estate with assets in multiple jurisdictions, you must hire an estate planning lawyer with expertise in international estate laws to efficiently deal with the tax regulations and inheritance laws across different countries.
• Moreover, make sure the attorney asks you detailed questions about the complexities to provide more personalized advice for your situation.

Communication Skills of the Attorney

• As the estate planning process is quite complicated, hiring an attorney who can completely understand your situation and clearly explain the different areas of law is essential.
• From this, you will know whether the attorney knows about the recent estate planning laws. This will prevent you from making changes to your estate in the future.
• It is helpful to arrange a consultation before hiring to ensure the attorney is a good communicator.

Written Fee Agreement from the Attorney

• Ensure that your estate planning lawyer provides you with the written fee agreement. 
• Even if your case is simple, getting this legal document from your attorney when you are working is necessary. 
• This contract will clearly explain the exact fees and compensation, what work will be done, and more.
• This written fee agreement will prevent disputes between you and your attorney over money.

Conclusion

Estate planning is necessary for planning and protecting your property and assets. Hiring the best estate planning lawyer is crucial to put your assets in the safe hands. It is best to start planning your estate in your 30s rather than your 40s to leave all your assets for your loved ones safely. Considering these factors will help you choose the best estate planning lawyers.