Before choosing an estate planning attorney, it’s always a good idea to have an initial conference. During your initial conference, your prospective attorney will ask you questions about your situation and determine the ways in which he or she may be able to assist you. In addition, the initial conference is your opportunity to ask questions and determine whether he or she is the right fit for you. Below are some questions to ask your prospective estate planning attorney during your initial conference.

“Is Estate Planning One of your Main Practice Areas?”   

This question is important depending on the type of work you need done. For example, if you only need a simple will or power of attorney, then an attorney who specializes in estate planning may not be necessary. However, if you’re dealing with a complicated financial or family situation or a taxable estate, then it is probably a good idea to work with an attorney whose primary area of practice estate planning.

“How Many Years of Experience do you Have?”

The more experience an attorney has in the area of estate planning, the better. However, regardless of whether or not an attorney’s primary practice area is estate planning, it’s important to determine his or her level of experience. In addition, it is important to determine how much experience your prospective attorney has in dealing with issues similar to your own. If, during your initial conference, your attorney states that he or she has handled cases like yours in the past, this is a good indication that he or she will be able to effectively assist you.  

“How Much do your Legal Services Cost?” 

When you meet with a prospective estate planning attorney, it’s important to establish the cost upfront. Depending on what you need done, you may be charged a fixed fee, or the cost may fall within a certain range. However, collecting this information before making a final decision on whether or not to hire a specific attorney is imperative in order to ensure that you aren’t surprised by hidden fees or costs down the line. It’s also important to realize that you shouldn’t choose your attorney based on any single factor—including cost.

Florida Estate Planning Attorneys

A well-drafted estate plan has many important benefits for you and your family. However, estate planning can be extremely complicated, and it’s easy to overlook critical steps when attempting to navigate the process alone. In order to protect your rights and plan for your future, please consider contacting an attorney to discuss your estate planning options. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Herzog, P.A., our experienced and dedicated Florida estate planning attorneys provide our clients with sophisticated estate planning guidance and assistance, including the preparation of wills, trusts, and other essential services. Please contact us for a consultation.