Whether you’re just beginning your estate planning journey or you’ve already got all of your documents together, it’s essential to work with an experienced estate planning attorney. Some people wrongly think that estate planning is something you wait until later in life to do, but we recommend people of all ages have an estate plan in place, because you never know what can happen. Having your Last Will and Trust protects both you and your loved ones in the event that something happens to you. 

So, what should you look for in an estate planning attorney? The lawyer you choose should be someone who specializes in estate planning and family law. Ideally they’ll have years of experience handling peoples’ estates along with a diverse range of family law cases. Ask friends and family members who have their estate plans in place who they used, because as the saying goes, word of mouth is usually the best way to get a recommendation!

Factors to consider when choosing an estate planning attorney

• Geography. While in-person meetings are usually ideal, don’t limit your search to only your local area. Many estate planning lawyers offer virtual consultations via Skype or Zoom, which is often more convenient for both parties. If you find an attorney who you feel is right for you, but they’re located several hours away, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
• Be prepared with a list of questions, and ensure you’re comfortable with the answers you receive. Every estate planning situation is unique, especially if you have a blended family, numerous assets, considerable wealth, or all of the above. Go into your consultation with a list of questions for your potential lawyer.
• Expertise. You want an attorney whose expertise is in family law and estate planning. Not someone who occasionally takes on an estate planning client, while focusing on other areas of law. Make sure to research their credentials  and ask them about their experience in estate planning before coming to a final decision.
• Check their accreditations and memberships. You may want to hire someone who is a member of relevant legal organizations and clubs. This usually means they keep themselves up to date on the latest aspects of the law.

For more information about estate planning, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at SCC Legal today. Discover why so many people in New Jersey choose us as their trusted estate planning attorneys. We look forward to hearing from you.