1. Avoid the DYI Route
It's so tempting, do it yourself, save money and cut out the lawyers. With all those home fix up shows on TV and all the youtube videos how hard could it be right? Wrong! DYI estate planning is risky for you and a certain way to force your family into probate court. Read the many articles below on the specific risks of DYI estate planning.
2. Avoid the Internet Route
Also tempting is to find an online form and fill that out. Even websites like Legal Zoom should be avoided. There are several articles below discussing why the internet approach is also doomed to fail. Besides, who wants OJ's lawyer preparing their will and health care documents?
3. Make sure the lawyer you work with has these qualifications
- Minimum of 7 consecutive years as a full time estate planning specialist or is an associate in a firm that has at least one attorney who meets this criteria.
- Peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell of AV or is an associate in a law firm where the director of the estate planning department has this rating.
Now you have three simple steps to finding the right estate planning attorney for you and your family. Remember to use all three steps and to insist on the two requirements from the lawyer you choose. Not all attorneys are qualified to practice estate planning law and you are the only person who can protect yourself.
Thank you for your interest in wills and estate planning. Feel free to join the conversation by commenting below or sending me an email.
Bernie Greenberg
