A good Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago can help you to plan for the future and make sure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. They can also help you with matters like probate, tax law and insurance. If you are looking for an estate planning attorney, you should first do some research to find one that is right for you.
Ask Friends & Family for Referrals
The best place to start your search for an estate planning attorney is by asking friends and family members who they have used in the past, and if they are happy with them. Then you can look online for reviews and ratings to see if they are reputable and experienced.
Review Fees – Before you hire an estate planning lawyer, you should check their fees and compare them to others on your list. There are some lawyers who will charge a flat rate for estate planning, while others will ask for a percentage of your estate after you pass away.
You should also find out if the firm you are thinking of hiring charges for an initial consultation. This will give you a chance to meet with the estate planning attorney and discuss your plans before making a final decision.
It’s a good idea to talk to several attorneys before choosing one, because it’s a very personal matter and you will be sharing a lot of information with them. It’s important to find someone who you can trust and who you feel comfortable working with.
They should be able to explain things to you in clear terms and in a manner that is easy to understand. They should also provide you with a comprehensive description of what they do and how much it will cost.
When looking for an estate planning attorney, you should make sure that they are licensed in the state where you live. This will ensure that they are a legitimate professional and won’t be breaking any laws.
Another thing to consider is whether they have any certifications or other specialties that could add value to your case. For instance, a good attorney should be familiar with special needs planning and can offer guidance for people who are receiving government benefits.
A good estate planning lawyer should also have experience in the type of legal issues you are dealing with, so that they can help you to resolve any problems quickly and efficiently. They should be able to answer all your questions and provide you with an effective solution for your problem.
They should also be able to guide you through the process of creating an estate plan and helping you to avoid costly mistakes. This will save you time and money in the long run, as well as protect your heirs and beneficiaries from any legal complications down the road.
A good estate planning lawyer will be able to take care of everything from creating a will, setting up trusts and planning for estate taxes to naming an executor. They will also be able to assist with preparing funeral arrangements and helping you to determine what kind of estate plan is right for you and your family. For details about when to hire a probate lawyer, please watch this video.