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Home >> How to Pick an Estate Planning Lawyer: 4 Practical Tips

How to Pick an Estate Planning Lawyer: 4 Practical Tips

March 28, 2016 by Robert Kulas. Leave a Comment

7K0A9914For most people, choosing a lawyer for any legal matter can be a difficult, and sometimes, intimidating, task. When you are choosing a lawyer to help you create an estate plan, the pressure to select the right lawyer is even greater, given the importance of estate planning. A properly drafted estate plan should, at a bare minimum, help protect and grow your assets while you are alive and provide for your loved ones after you are gone. Selecting the right estate planning lawyer to help you create your estate plan, therefore, is not an endeavor that should be taken lightly nor accomplished without careful consideration. To help ensure that you make the right choice, consider the following four practical tips for choosing the right estate planning lawyer.

  1. Know what you want in a lawyer.

    This may sound like an obvious tip; however, the reality is that most people don’t really know what they are looking for in an attorney, particularly when it comes to an estate planning attorney. One reason for this is because the average person knows very little about estate planning beyond the basic concept of a Last Will and Testament. Take some time to familiarize yourself with what a comprehensive estate plan can do for you and your family and then ask yourself what you want/need your estate plan to accomplish. For example, if you own a family farm you need an attorney who is familiar with how to incorporate the farm into your estate plan. Likewise, if you have a special needs child you need an estate planning attorney who knows how to include special needs planning in your overall plan.

  2. Seek referrals.

    Just as you would if you were looking for a doctor or an accountant, seek referrals for your estate planning attorney. Ask friends, family, and even co-workers if they have worked with an estate planning attorney with whom they were happy. You might even know an attorney who does not practice estate planning but who can refer you to a friend or colleague who does devote his/her practice to estate planning. A direct referral from someone you know is always a good place to start your hunt for the right estate planning lawyer. You can also us the Florida Bar Association’s “Lawyer Referral” service for referrals if asking people you know doesn’t produce the desired result.

  3. Do your research.

    Your estate plan will likely be the most important set of legal documents you create and execute during your lifetime. As such, it only makes sense to spend the time necessary to do your own research before deciding on an attorney to help you with your plan. Although it is not wise to hire an attorney based solely on his/her website, you can glean a tremendous amount of helpful information from an attorney’s website in today’s electronic age. Once you have a few names from referrals, take the time to peruse their websites for information such as the areas of law they practice, how long they have been practicing law, and even where their offices are located and when they are open.

  4. Conduct interviews.

    This may sound like an odd tip – most people don’t think in terms of “interviewing” a prospective lawyer – but you should think in those terms. If you needed surgery, would you just call the first surgeon you find after a Google search? Doubtful. Would you hire a nanny for your children based solely on a referral from a co-worker? Definitely not. Why then wouldn’t you interview an attorney who will essentially be responsible for creating the documents that will protect you, your assets, and your loved ones for many years to come? Instead of thinking in terms of “interviews,” it might be easier to call them “consultations.” Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. With that in mind, narrow down your options to the top three or four and schedule consultations. Before each one, take the time to write down some critical questions you have for the lawyer. It can also be helpful to make some simple lists, including one for your assets, one for your current and likely future debts, and one for your estate planning goals and objectives. By the time you finish your “interviews” you will likely know which estate planning lawyer is right for you and your needs.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about estate planning in the State of Florida please contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Kulas & Crawford. by calling 772-398-0720 to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Estate Planning

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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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~Krissy L
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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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~Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

default image
Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
L.G.K.
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