Choosing the right estate planning attorney can be daunting enough for you to even pull off creating your own estate plan. But we’re here to remind you not to let this get in the way because it’s a critical part of preparing for your family’s future. More importantly, it’s essential for the future of your loved ones. At OC Wills & Trust Attorneys, our highly-experienced estate planning attorneys provide trustworthy legal guidance on estate planning. We’ve also simplified the estate planning process to help you get started with building your estate plan. An estate plan is probably one of the best things you can have for yourself and your loved ones. Here are some top tips to help you feel confident about finding the best estate planning attorneys in Orange County.
What’s an Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate Planning attorneys, also called estate law attorneys, are licensed legal professionals who have a thorough understanding of state and federal laws surrounding everything that has to do with an estate, such as how your estate will be valued, dispersed, and taxed after you pass on. They also help clients understand the probate process, and they can advise on tax-beneficial plans that pay both now, and in the future.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
Here’s a list of services that estate planning attorneys can provide:
- Write wills
- Set up trusts
- Protect assets and estates from creditors
- Set up guardianship
- Advice on tax-beneficial plans
- Help designate beneficiaries
- Create estate plans that will avoid probate
- Establish durable power of attorney
- Establish medical power of attorney
Things to Consider When Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney
Education
Ensure that the estate planning attorney has passed the bar. Laws and probate procedures differ by state, so state-specific expertise is particularly important when it comes to estate planning. You need someone who understands family-limited partnerships and the different types of trusts available. Estate planning lawyers don’t necessarily have any unique certifications or titles to distinguish them, but their entire practice may be distinctly focused on this specialty.
Experience
Look for a lawyer with a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in estate planning. Their personal experiences will be the best indicator of any attorney’s quality.
Dedication
Estate planning is a sophisticated and highly-complicated complicated area of legal practice. Choose an attorney who devotes his/her practice to this area of the law.
Personal Involvement
Look for an estate planning attorney who will put you at ease, who cares and listens, explains the law very clearly, and will work closely with you to create an estate plan that’s specifically crafted for your unique circumstances.
Recommendations & Reviews
Find an estate planning attorney by asking family and friends for recommendations. Check their online reviews to find out what their clients say about their experience. You can also get a referral from the state bar association or local probate court. Ask your financial advisor if he/she can recommend one, as they usually work with attorneys to whom they refer clients.
Find someone who can help you feel at ease and help you figure out who should make health decisions, who should be assigned as your trustee, and more. After all, your estate planning attorney will be helping you make difficult and emotional decisions. This entire process will be significantly easier if you feel comfortable talking to your attorney.
Hire Our Estate Planning Attorneys in Orange County
We provide most of the tools you need to make a solid estate plan. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help assess your goals to determine the best vehicles to preserve your wealth and your legacy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
