Interview your Estate Planning Attorney Before Hiring Her

Who needs an estate planning attorney, anyway?

You do.

Me?  Why?

Well, you own property don't you?  And a business?

Yes.

And you have children, don't you?

Yes.

And you certainly don't want everything you've work so hard for, to end up with the courts or attorneys do you?  After all, you've worked hard so your children, grandchildren, and favorite charities can have something nice to inherit, right?

That's true.

So you need an Estate Planning Attorney then.  Not just any attorney.  But one that does estate planning exclusively and can help you create a custom plan for you and your family.

So how do I find a great attorney to help me?

Once you have selected a prospective attorney, here's some interview questions:

1. How long have you been licensed as an attorney?  Are you in good standing or have you been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings? (You can verify on your state bar licensing web site.  In California, it's www.calbar.org.)
2. Do you have a web site? (Ask this before you meet the attorney & review their site.)
3. Have you written a book or professional reference papers?  Have you written anything that has been accepted for publication?
4. Do you speak publicly to any community groups?  Do you present education to other financial professionals?
5. What law school did you attend?  (Some law schools are more highly regarded than others.)
6. Are you a member of any professional associations?  (WealthCounsel is a credible association for Estate Planning attorneys.)
7. Do you have legal malpractice insurance? (This is a sign of accountability.)
8. Are you incorporated?  (Often signified by the letters P.C. or A.P.C. after their firm name.)
9. What common mistakes have you seen in estate planning? (Demonstrates experience with all types of situations.)
10. What is your fee range for your services?  (Great attorneys probably won't quote an exact fee, but should be willing to give you a fee range.  If they won't give you any fees up front, beware!)
11. Why are you passionate about estate planning?

And if you're a business professional, two more interview questions:

1. If I do business with you, are you willing to consider doing business with me? 
2. I'd like to refer people to you.  Do you have anyone you can refer to me?

Okay, you say, I got it.  These are the types of questions I'm going to ask.  But how do I go about LOCATING a top quality attorney who is highly respected in his/her field?

Be cautious when using the following methods to find a great attorney:

• Yellow pages
• Billboard signs
• Internet directories
• Referral service (attorneys that pay to be listed)
• Fancy / expensive ads, graphics, or slogans

Some recommended attorney resources are:

• Brenda Geiger, Esq., Geiger Law Office, P.C. (California)
• Myrna Arroyo, Esq., Myrna E. Arroyo, LLC (Louisiana & Connecticut)
• Ask your CPA or financial advisor for a referral
• Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (througout U.S. and Canada)

Don't believe that your entire estate can be ruined by using the wrong forms, wrong trust methods, or wrong attorney?  Read Geiger's book, "What You Must Know to Protect Your Family and Your Estate: The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for California Families" and you'll find some tragic stories -- of what you DON'T want to do!

Questions?  Please contact me and I'll be happy to help you! 

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House"
Author of forthcoming book, "Virtual Office Guide for Business Professionals:  Work & Profit from Home"
Join & post to my NEW ActiveRain group at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved