An estate planning lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in helping people plan for their death and the distribution of their assets. They can help you create a will, trust, and other estate planning documents that will ensure your wishes are carried out after you die.
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What can an estate planning lawyer do for you?
An estate planning lawyer can help you with a variety of estate planning matters, including:
- Creating a will: A will is a legal ordinarylaw.com/ document that states your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you die. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a will that is tailored to your specific needs and that will ensure your wishes are carried out.
- Creating a trust: A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to another person or entity, known as a trustee. The trustee will manage the assets according to the terms of the trust agreement. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a trust that is tailored to your specific needs and that will ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes.
- Estate tax planning: Estate taxes are taxes that are imposed on the transfer of assets after a person’s death. An estate planning lawyer can help you plan to minimize or eliminate your estate tax liability.
- Disability planning: Disability planning involves creating legal documents that will protect your assets and interests in the event that you become incapacitated. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a disability plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
- Business succession planning: Business succession planning involves developing a plan for the transfer of ownership and management of your business after you die or become incapacitated. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a business succession plan that will ensure your business continues to operate smoothly after you are gone.
Why should you hire an estate planning lawyer?
There are several reasons why you should consider hiring an estate planning lawyer:
- Estate planning law is complex: Estate planning law can be complex and confusing. An estate planning lawyer can explain the law to you and help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Estate planning lawyers are experienced: Estate planning lawyers have the experience to help you create an estate plan that is tailored to your specific needs and that will ensure your wishes are carried out after you die.
- Estate planning lawyers can help you avoid costly mistakes: Estate planning is important, but it can be easy to make mistakes. An estate planning lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your estate plan.
How to find a good estate planning lawyer
If you are considering hiring an estate planning lawyer, there are a few things you can do to find a good one:
- Ask your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.
- Search for estate planning lawyers online. There are many websites that allow you to search for lawyers by location, practice area, and other criteria.
- Contact your local bar association. They may be able to provide you with a list of estate planning lawyers in your area.
Once you have identified a few potential estate planning lawyers, you should schedule a consultation with each of them. This will give you a chance to meet with the lawyer and learn more about their experience, qualifications, and fees.
During the consultation, you should ask the lawyer the following questions:
- What is your experience in handling estate planning matters like mine?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What are your fees?
- What is your communication style?
- How often will you update me on my estate plan?
It is also important to ask the lawyer about their legal strategy for your estate plan. You should make sure that you are comfortable with the lawyer’s approach and that you understand the risks and potential benefits of your estate plan.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer can be a wise decision to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. An estate planning lawyer can help you create an estate plan that is tailored to your specific needs and that will avoid costly mistakes.