(248) 481-4000
Free Initial Consultation
Tips for Selecting a Michigan Estate Planning Attorney
October 9, 2008
Filed under: Uncategorized — Christopher J. Berry | Estate & Elder Law Attorney @ 4:06 pm
- Identify prospective attorneys. Talk to people who work with estate planning attorneys and friends and family who may have done estate planning.
- Schedule Screening Interviews. Estate planning is an important process and you need to feel comfortable in selecting an attorney to work with you and your family.
- Determine if the attorney is qualified. At the first interview, ask basic questions, for example : What percentage of your practice is devoted to estate planning? What types of clients have you worked with? Ask for references.
- Understand the Network of professionals. Estate planning requires a holistic approach that involves a team of specialists: your attorney should not be a lone ranger.
- Discuss Fees. You want someone that has a fee schedule that you are comfortable with. Like many things in life, this is an area where you get what you pay for.
- Contact any references given. Was the attorney proactive? Responsive? Any regrets or concerns?
- Prepare for the second interview. Ask follow-up questions and bring personal documents you wish to discuss, such as current estate planning documents or insurance policies.
- Select your Michigan lawyer. You want someone who is qualified, with whom you are comfortable, and has a network of professionals that he or she works with.
- Put it in writing. Have a written fee agreement or retainer agreement to ensure that your expectations are met.
