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When it comes time to plan for the later years of life many people put off the decision for much too long. The main purpose of sitting down to do what is usually called succession planning is to make sure ones survivors are provided for in a way that supports a comfortable life after you're gone.
Such things as housing and income and health care are just a few of the issues that must be prepared for so that the surviving family members can avoid unexpected or unplanned for financial short falls.
It is best to seek an attorney to help with this type of planning. The fees are modest, especially when compared with the potential for oversights when dealing with the complicated issues of finances and property and health needs that extend into the distant future.
So the question is, "How do I find a good living trust attorney?" Let's list a few of the tips that will help with this challenge.
1 - Check with friends and relatives and work mates. You'll want to get at least three to five names of attorneys. It is vitally important that you are specifically seeking attorneys that specialize and have experience that has been largely focused on preparing Living Trusts. It is important to know that attorneys, like doctors, specialize in specific practices. You wouldn't seek out an eye surgeon to set a broken leg from a skiing accident. The same rule applies to attorneys. Pay attention.
2 - Now call or email a lawyer's referral service. Request the names of at least three attorneys that specialize in living trusts.
3 - Once you have hopefully gathered at least five or so names you'll want to do your pre-interview research. Please make sure you don't start calling to speak with your list of attorneys before you complete this step. A) Run each of the attorney's names from your list through the Bar Association's research files. You'll be looking for a confirmation of their specialty, which will be registered with the Bar Association. B) You'll also use this research to determine the attorney's behavioral records. In the unlikely event an attorney on your list has received even one admonishment, regardless of the nature; eliminate him or her from your list and move on to the next name.
4 - Once you have cleaned your list you'll hopefully have at least three attorneys to interview. Before you set your appointment, be sure to check on whether or not the attorney provides free consultation. At this point you'll push the names of those who charge for consultation to the back of the line. Should one of the attorneys charge a fee and indicate the fee is not deducted from the total cost after living trust services are completed, delete him or her from your list.
5 - Once you have your list of free consultation attorneys you'll want to set an appointment. From your perspective this is an audition. You'll most likely be spending a couple or so hours with the attorney you choose and revealing very personal information. The idea of the interview/audition is to see how comfortable the attorney makes you feel during your meeting. You should not feel intimidated or inferior and the attorney's style should make it easy for you to feel like you're on a level seating. Naturally, the attorney should be more knowledgeable about living trusts than you, but you should not feel like he or she is making you feel stupid. If so, end the meeting cordially and move on..
About this Author
Mo Johnson is publisher of http://www.free-living-trust-information.com/living-trust-attorney.html The site is the leading website for living trust information. Mo is an estate planning attorney and shares his insight into issues like: what is a living trust; what are the advantages and disadvantages of living trusts; what myths are floating around about them; and how to find a living trust attorney.
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