When you are
ready to put your estate in order, just as important as it is to do that, it is
also very important to choose the best possible attorney to help you in this
matter. After all, this person is going to be helping you put your financial
house in order for your heirs, and this is a very important part of your life
since you have spent your life gaining the assets you have acquired.
So how do
you know if you're dealing with the right attorney for you? The right
professional will have an orientation toward relationship-building and
counseling rather than just document preparation. The first thing they should
offer is the ability to listen carefully to not only your goals - but also your
hopes, dreams, and aspirations for yourself and your loved ones. The attorney
should carry on a sensitive dialogue that will enable you to make clear your
wishes to maintain control over your affairs, how to be cared for properly in
the event of a disability and how to provide for your loved ones once you pass
away.
This of
course is the first step that I take with my clients when they meet with me in
my office.
You must
also understand what proper estate planning requires. It is more than just
navigating through the legal intricacies and tax laws that are related to the
passing of wealth. Any competent estate planning lawyer can help with that. You
need someone that goes much further and asks about things like:
·
How
to meet your philanthropic goals after you are gone
·
How
to fund the education of offspring for several generations
·
How
to care for the surviving spouse if there is one
·
How
to manage the family business if there is one
·
Special
needs for a child or family member after you pass away
·
Special
needs for a pet after you are no longer her to care for it
And much
more.
The right Estate Planning attorney will also work together with other members of the estate planning team
like your financial advisor, CPA, and insurance professionals. Estate planning
is much more than just document preparation and you need a capable attorney
that truly understands that.
Aside from
that you want someone with years of experience who has a good reputation.
Someone who not only knows the laws well themselves but also takes the time to
educate their clients on these laws. Here at Tompkins Law, we have created a
series of videos to help answer many questions that pertain to your estate
plan. Not only has this firm been in
business for over 21 years, but we strive to educate the public on proper
estate planning.
