Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney

With the help of a qualified estate planning attorney, you can handle the business of making sure your money, belongings, and-most importantly-your loved ones are properly cared for after you are gone. You can make a will that will be legally binding, give over power of attorney to a trusted friend or associate, make your own funeral arrangements, and much more. There are ways to accomplish these things on your own, but you are far better off contacting someone who has the knowledge and experience to help you. Here are some things you should look for when choosing a lawyer.

Affordability

Hiring an estate planning attorney shouldn't cost you everything you're trying to pass on. Lawyers are never cheap (and you probably shouldn't hire someone who is), but that doesn't mean you can't find someone with affordable rates. Charging an arm and a leg isn't a sign of a better lawyer; it's a sign that he caters to rich clientele and can get away with it. While you certainly shouldn't look for bargain basement deals, there's no harm in shopping around a bit before you commit.

Experience

Experience makes all the difference between a good lawyer and a poor one. An estate planning attorney can have a degree from the finest university in the country and they may still not be appropriate for your purposes. Make sure that they are. You can do this by determining not only how long they have been practicing, but also how long they have been working in this field of the law.

Attention and Availability

You need someone with whom you can consult, not a rubber stamp. If you just want a lawyer to put their signature to a piece of paper, you can find one for a lot cheaper than you'll find an estate planning attorney. Yet this doesn't stop many such lawyers from charging a hefty amount, meeting for an afternoon, and then rarely being available from that point forward. Don't stand for this. If you're paying for legal counsel, make sure you receive it.

Flexibility

Even if you are retired, you may have a busy schedule. It can be difficult to make time for appointments. If this describes your situation, look for an estate planning attorney who can make the time to meet with you, even if that involves staying late one afternoon or rescheduling another appointment. This is the sign of a lawyer who cares, which is exactly what you want when moving forward with what can be some very delicate decisions.

When considering your estate, think about taking the counsel of a Houston estate planning attorney to help you get everything in order. For a trusted, professional opinion, visit the following: http://www.tx-probate.com.