How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney
Introduction
Knowing how to choose an estate planning attorney can shape not only how your assets are distributed, but also how smoothly your family navigates difficult moments. Finding the right estate planning attorney is an important step for households beginning the estate planning process.
Start with Trusted Referrals
Finding the right estate planning attorney can shape not only how your assets are distributed, but also how smoothly your family navigates difficult moments.
For households beginning the process, the challenge is not just deciding to create a will or trust. It’s knowing where to turn and how to evaluate the professionals who will help build that plan. Estate planning attorney Harry Margolis says the search should begin closer to home than many expect.
Margolis advises starting with friends and family who have firsthand experience working with estate planning attorneys. Their insight into how an attorney communicates, charges and follows through can be more valuable than a professional referral.
That’s because even other professionals may not see how an attorney interacts with clients day to day.
If personal referrals aren’t available, the next step is to ask financial advisers, accountants or attorneys in other specialties. They often have working relationships with estate planners and can point clients in the right direction.
Use Professional Directories
When referrals fall short, professional organizations can help narrow the search.
For individuals with more complex financial situations, organizations such as the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel tend to include attorneys who handle higher-net-worth and tax-sensitive estates.
Those dealing with aging-related concerns may benefit from attorneys affiliated with elder law organizations. And for families with special needs considerations, specialized groups can connect them with attorneys and planners experienced in those areas.
The key is matching the attorney’s expertise to your specific circumstances.
Interview Multiple Attorneys
Choosing an estate planning attorney is not a one-and-done decision. It’s a relationship that may last decades.
That’s why Margolis recommends interviewing more than one candidate. Two or three consultations can help determine whether an attorney is a good fit.
Prospective clients should ask practical questions:
Do you charge a flat fee or hourly rate?
Will I work directly with you or with associates?
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Equally important is asking whether the attorney has experience with situations similar to your own, such as blended families or special needs planning.
Understand the Limits of Testimonials
Unlike some financial professionals, attorneys typically cannot provide client testimonials or references.
That’s due to strict confidentiality rules governing attorney-client relationships. Even sharing a client’s name would generally require explicit permission.
As a result, prospective clients must rely more heavily on independent recommendations and their own evaluation during consultations.
Online Recommendations Can Help, but With Caution
Neighborhood forums, social media groups and local listservs have become common places to ask for referrals.
Margolis says those platforms can be useful, especially for identifying frequently recommended professionals. But they should be treated as a starting point, not a final decision.
A strong online recommendation still needs to be backed up by a direct conversation and careful vetting.
Think Long Term
Estate planning is not a one-time transaction. Plans often need updating after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or significant changes in wealth.
That makes longevity and continuity important factors when choosing an attorney.
Margolis notes that while solo practitioners can provide excellent service, clients may want to consider whether there is backup if that attorney retires or becomes unavailable. Larger firms may offer more continuity over time.
Build Your Plan Over Time
For many households, cost is a concern. A comprehensive estate plan can feel expensive, particularly for younger families.
But estate planning doesn’t have to happen all at once.
Many people begin with a simple will and guardianship provisions when they have children. At that stage, assets may be limited, and the plan can remain relatively straightforward.
Later in life, typically in their 60s, individuals revisit and expand their plans as their financial situations become more complex. That’s often when trusts and more advanced strategies come into play.
What This Means for You
If you’re starting your estate planning journey, understanding how to choose an estate planning attorney can make the process more manageable.
Begin with trusted referrals, ask the right questions and take the time to find someone who fits your needs. Your plan can evolve over time as your life and finances change.