What questions should you ask your Florida estate planning attorney in 2022?

Planning an estate may seem overwhelming or challenging, but doesn’t need to be. Estate planning is not just for after your life, but for during your life as well.  Estate plans include guidance to your families if you become sick or incapacitated, or even just traveling!  Whatever the case may be, using a state-licensed, knowledgeable attorney can pay huge dividends and help you avoid costly mistakes. Picking the best attorney to assist you, however, can be challenging. Using the power of questions can not only help you in hiring the best legal counsel but may also assist you in your estate planning. 

Top Questions for A Prospective Estate Planning Attorney

If you are thinking about filing an estate plan or have already hired an attorney to assist you in doing so, there are some key questions you may want to ask and discuss with your legal counsel. Knowing the answers to these and similar questions may not only put your mind at ease but may also save you significant money and hassle along the way. Knowing and understanding your estate plan is vitally important. This knowledge can help ensure no mistakes are made and that your wishes are followed to the letter upon your passing or incapacitation. 

Questions are not only useful during the estate planning process but may also be a great tool for picking the right attorney to assist you. If you are using questions to interview possible estate planning attorneys, the following questions may represent a great starting point:

  • Is estate planning your primary focus?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Do you conduct periodic reviews?
  • Do you actually execute the plan?

If you have decided on legal representation already, these questions can still be helpful. Also, consider whether the attorney you hire charges per “form” or for the estate plan as a whole; you don’t want to be nickel and dimed during your planning experience; and the experience of the attorney you hire should be the key question; not just the price.  Having legal counsel that is knowledgeable and experienced and primarily focuses on Estate Planning is the key.  Some other key questions you may consider asking include:

  • How long will it take to complete the estate plan?
  • Is there someone else in your practice I can speak with in your absence?
  • How do you charge?
  • What other issues do you address?

Of course, this list could go on and on. Questions are a great way-perhaps the best way to get the answers you are seeking and the knowledge you need. It is imperative, therefore, that you question anything that is not completely clear to you or is misunderstood. Knowing your estate inside and out and how it all works is critical for proper planning. Doing so may prevent any unforeseen issues down the road or if something should happen to you and your plan must be executed. Estate planning is a legal area in which no stone should be left unturned. Get the information you need to feel comfortable with your plan and ask the questions necessary to understand it thoroughly. 

The Importance of Understanding Your Own Estate 

As the old saying goes “knowledge is power.” Knowledge is a major component of proper estate planning. Knowledge can help prevent mistakes from being made that could have significant consequences for your assets or portfolio. You have likely worked hard your entire life-doesn’t it make sense to gain the knowledge needed to best protect your assets and what you have worked so hard to gain? Make sure to gain the knowledge necessary to make the best decisions for your estate. Asking questions may be the best way to do exactly that. 

Meet with a Florida Estate Planning Attorney Today

It is critical to hire legal counsel that is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. A good counselor should want you to understand what you are doing, and will do what is necessary to ensure that you do. Additionally, working with an attorney that you feel comfortable with is also another thing to think about when you get together. 

If you would like to learn more about putting together a comprehensive and sound estate plan in Florida, or if you have one in place that needs to be updated you can explore your options by connecting with a Florida estate planning attorney at our firm.  It is imperative that the legal professional you decide to work with is a licensed state of Florida attorney ready to help. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and are here to help you make the best estate plan possible for yourself and your circumstances. 

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