How To Choose An Attorney to Help With Your Living Trust

Creating a living trust can be a very stressful process. Although many people try to create living trusts by themselves using online services, it is better to get the help of a lawyer who has experience in this area and can guide you through the process of creating a living trust, which can be quite confusing for those who have not done it before. It is important to choose a talented and trustworthy lawyer when making this decision. Here are some guidelines for choosing an estate attorney to help you with your living trust.

Look for lawyers with specific experience in estates and living trusts.
All lawyers have different specialties, so it is important to choose someone who has specific experience in this area of the law who can help you. When browsing online to find more information about potential lawyers, you should be able to read their biographies to find out about their education and the types of cases that they have been successful with. If they don’t have experience with a living trust, you can rule them off the list.

Ask friends and family.
One of the best ways to find a good estate attorney near you is by asking those around you. Talk to your family members and friends that you know have created their own living trusts, and ask them which lawyers they used to do it. Getting recommendations from word-of-mouth is a great thing, because you can get a very honest opinion from someone that you really trust.

Look for certifications and association memberships relating to estates.
Every state has their own rules regarding estates, but in many states, you can actually get a certification as an estate attorney to prove your confidence in this area of law. Do some research and find out if your state gives these qualifications, and if they do, check to see if your lawyer has been certified. It’s also helpful to check and see if they are a member of any legal associations regarding estate law. There are many local, regional, and national associations for this area of the law.

Keep convenience in mind.
You’ll want to meet with the lawyer in person to discuss your estate, so make sure to choose someone that is in your local area and is within a reasonable driving distance. You don’t want to choose someone who works far away and then not be able to get their counsel when you need it most. It is also important to choose a lawyer that makes time to meet with you when necessary, and who values customer service at their office. Consider how the staff treat you when you talk to them on the phone. If they are short or rude with you, this may be an indication of how you will be treated later on.

Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
You should always meet with a lawyer for a consultation prior to hiring them to make sure that they are someone that you trust and are comfortable speaking freely around. It can be very difficult to get your living trust put together if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your concerns with your lawyer. If a lawyer gives you a negative feeling during your initial consultation, don’t hesitate to get a different lawyer.

Are their fees reasonable?
Ultimately, you’ll need to make sure you can afford your trust lawyer before committing to hiring them. Although you will most likely need to pay a decent amount for a good trusts lawyer, you shouldn’t be spending an unreasonable amount for their time and skill level. Look for someone that fits your budget.