If you find yourself searching through many probate attorneys, there is a good chance you will need this type of legal professional in your life in the near future.
For example, some people contact a probate attorney if they are taking on the task of executor. Others consult with this type of person if they are going through the probate process, such as after an inheritance. And of course, there are those who need assistance when creating an estate plan.
Since you will be asking your attorney many questions and leaning on them for advice, it’s important to make the right decision the first time around. You need to settle on somebody who is knowledgeable, experienced, and willing to give you the guidance you need.
Note: as an executor or somebody receiving an inheritance, it is common to believe that you have to use the person who helped create the deceased person’s estate plan. While this is something to consider, it is not required.
Finding the Right Attorney
Since all probate attorneys bring something unique to the table, you want to consider several professionals before making a final decision.
It is not difficult to find probate attorneys in your area. However, it can be more challenging to compare each one with an eye towards making a choice in the near future.
Finding the right attorney often begins with an online search. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about each attorney before contacting him or her on the phone. From basic information to reviews, there is a lot of information online. All you have to do is take the time to read each and every point.
Asking Questions
Once you find a probate attorney who suits your needs, it’s time to ask a few questions. This is the only way to know for sure that you are in contact with the right person for your situation.
Here are some questions you can ask:
- How many probate cases have you assisted with in the past?
- What is your fee structure?
- Will I be working directly with you, or do you have a team that gets involved?
- How long will it take for the probate process to come to an end?
- Are you available to provide assistance throughout the process?
When you ask these types of questions, you will soon see that not all probate attorneys are the same. You will find that some provide answers you are comfortable with, while others may not align with your goals.
Finding the Right Fit
Since no two probate attorneys are the same, you have to dig around if you want to find the right fit. This means asking the questions above, while also keeping two key words in mind at all times: experience and knowledge.
You want a probate attorney who has handled similar cases in the past. This will ensure that the person knows what to do in the future.
On the same note, knowledge is a big deal. Is the person familiar with probate laws in your state? Does the attorney have the knowledge necessary to deal with any challenges that arise?
Along with the above, seek somebody who communicates in a clear and efficient manner. If it takes an attorney several days to get back to you after asking the questions above, he or she may not be much more efficient if you decide to work together.
As long as you understand that not all probate attorneys are created equal, you will never be tricked into the idea of believing that one person is as good as the next.
We take great pride in the fact that we have provided probate services to hundreds of clients in the past. This has given us the opportunity to help many people during a difficult time.
If you want to learn more about probate, among a variety of other topics, don’t hesitate to contact us or sign up for one of our many seminars. When you attend a seminar, you have the opportunity to obtain first hand, top flight advice from our legal professionals. This will give you a better understanding of your situation, as well as if we can help you in some way in the future.
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