Attorneys with a solid reputation will attract more clients, which means they can charge higher fees. Some attorneys will use marketing tactics such as networking events, writing articles or blog posts and attending conferences to build their reputation.
A well-established estate planning law firm can help you protect your family’s future and preserve your assets. Find one that specializes in trusts and has a good track record of success.
Expertise
When choosing an estate planning attorney, it’s important to find out about their experience and expertise. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used the services of an attorney and inquire about their level of education, specialization, and professional certifications.
Additionally, you can ask the attorney about their knowledge of state and federal tax laws, property law, inheritance law, and trusts and wills. They should also be familiar with local laws regarding estate planning and able to provide you with the best advice for your situation.
Lawyers with a broad background in estate planning are often considered to have greater expertise than those with more narrow experiences. For example, attorneys with expertise in real estate issues, business succession planning, life insurance and intellectual property are likely to have a deeper understanding of complex matters that may arise during the process of creating an estate plan.
Reputation
A good estate planning attorney can help you create a will, set up trusts, and minimize estate taxes. They can also assist with probate and guardianship issues. In addition, they can help you plan for your long-term care needs and protect your assets from creditors. They should be able to answer any questions you have about the process and be able to explain your options clearly.
Inna Fershteyn is an experienced New York estate planning lawyer who can help you create a comprehensive estate plan and protect your assets. She has been practicing for 23 years and has over 220 positive reviews online. She is fluent in both Ukrainian and Russian and has a deep understanding of trust and estate administration.
Choosing an estate planning law firm with a good reputation is vital. This can be achieved by asking friends and family for recommendations. You should also check whether an attorney has any unique certifications or designations.
Fees
An estate planning attorney may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of both. In most cases, the firm will give you an upfront cost estimate before starting work on your case. During the first meeting, which can be in person or over the phone, ask your potential attorney about their fees and how they are calculated.
Some attorneys require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that the lawyer will draw from as they work on your case. Retainer policies vary among lawyers and firms.
If you are considering an estate planning firm, find out whether they have junior attorneys and paralegals who can help them with tasks that might take up too much of a senior attorney’s time. This will not only reduce your bill but also save the firm money by reducing overhead expenses. By outsourcing non-core tasks, an attorney can increase productivity and earn more revenue. Law clerks, such as those offered by LAWCLERK, provide an excellent way to do this.
Experience
Those who have significant assets and want to avoid the probate process should consider hiring estate planning attorneys. They can help prepare a comprehensive plan that takes into account future investments and spending, potential long-term care costs, and state inheritance and estate taxes. The attorney can also assist with a comprehensive review of the estate’s assets, which can include bank statements, stocks, real property and other items of value.
The best way to find an estate planning attorney is by seeking referrals from friends and colleagues who have used them in the past. It is important to choose an attorney with experience and a good reputation. In addition, clients are often willing to pay more for an attorney who is reputable and considered an expert in their field.
Attorneys working in larger cities tend to earn more money than those working in smaller firms or rural areas. These trends are consistent across practice types, and may reflect higher demand for estate planning services in these markets.