Finding the Right Lawyer for Trusts and Estate Planning

Trusts and proper estate planning are powerful tools for specifying your last wishes and guarding the financial futures of your surviving spouse, children, and other family members. However, if you work with a careless or inexperienced lawyer who doesn’t understand the relevant laws and how to apply them, they could ruin your hard work and legacy. So, you must choose the right trust and estate planning attorney. How do you make that choice?

As seasoned Arizona trust and estate planning attorneys, the Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC team knows what is at stake in these cases and understands the importance of having capable legal representation. We want you to get the help you need to protect your legacy. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation where you can learn more about our estate planning services.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Trusts and Estate Planning

Without help from a skilled estate planning attorney, creating and managing an estate plan that encompasses a last will, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, retirement accounts, insurance policies, and/or other estate planning documents can result in costly mistakes. Estate planning involves legal rules that can be confusing. Also, errors may cause your documents to be invalid or unclear and prevent your family from honoring your wishes.

For example, if you don’t create a proper trust, your assets could end up in probate, delaying their distribution after your death and increasing expenses for your loved ones. Similarly, without proper legal guidance, you might overlook ways to reduce taxes or protect your assets. Hiring a lawyer helps ensure your trust or estate plan meets Arizona’s legal requirements and reflects your wishes.

Benefits of Working with the Right Attorney

Going through the estate planning and probate processes, litigating in probate court (when necessary), and handling estate taxes can all be highly complex. An experienced estate planning attorney knows Arizona’s estate planning laws and can ensure that your documents are legally sound and tailored to your needs. A qualified and professional estate planning lawyer can help you choose the right tools to achieve your goals, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Additionally, a capable estate planning lawyer can employ trusts and other strategies for approaching estate taxes to save your family time, stress, and money in the future. Your attorney can identify potential issues in your estate plan, like unclear beneficiary designations or trustee conflicts, which can hinder trust administration and help you avoid them. They can also update your plan as your life changes, ensuring it remains effective.

Most importantly, the right lawyer will spend time with you and listen to your concerns. In turn, they can provide clear and personal guidance. This careful and considerate approach can give you confidence that your estate plan will work smoothly, protect your family, and honor your wishes.

Qualities to Look for in a Trusts and Estate Planning Attorney

Arizona has no shortage of estate planning attorneys. How do you sort the qualified attorneys from their less-capable peers? Here are a few qualities to look for when hiring an attorney to assist with your estate planning:

Experience in estate planning — Look for a lawyer who focuses on trusts and estate planning, understands estate taxes, practices in probate court, and knows how to protect clients’ assets based on their legal experience. Practical experience helps a lawyer understand Arizona’s laws and handle complex estate planning situations.
Attention to detail — Estate planning involves precise legal documents. An estate planning attorney with strong attention to detail can draft clear, accurate plans that avoid mistakes and legal issues and protect your assets for your family.
Personalized approach — The right attorney will take the time to understand your specific goals and family needs. They create a customized plan for you rather than using generic templates.
Strong communication skills — Estate planning can feel overwhelming. A good lawyer can explain complex concepts in simple terms to ensure you fully understand your options.
Accessibility and responsiveness — Your financial affairs and estate administration are vital to you. Choose a lawyer who is easy to reach and will respond to you in a timely manner. Estate planning often requires updates, so reliable communication is key.
Trustworthiness and compassion — Estate planning involves sensitive, personal topics. A trustworthy and compassionate attorney will listen to your concerns and treat you respectfully throughout the process.

Steps for Choosing Your Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

While there’s no foolproof method for choosing an estate planning lawyer, following these steps will give you a better chance of finding a qualified attorney who can meet your needs:

Research local attorneys — Look for lawyers who focus on estate planning in your area. Check their websites for services, client reviews, and relevant experience handling trusts and wills.
Ask for referrals — Talk to family, friends, or financial advisors for recommendations. Personal referrals often provide insight into an attorney’s approach and professionalism.
Check credentials — Verify the lawyer’s qualifications, such as education, years of experience, and state bar status. Look for any additional estate planning certifications.
Schedule consultations — Meet with a few attorneys to discuss your needs. Pay attention to how well they explain their process and whether they listen to your concerns.
Ask questions — During the consultation, ask about their experience, fees, and approach to creating personalized estate plans. Find out how and how often they will communicate with you. Make sure their answers are clear and easy to understand.
Evaluate compatibility — Choose an attorney who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Trust and open communication are essential for successful estate planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting an Attorney

Choosing the wrong lawyer could spell disaster for you and your family when your legacy is at stake. Avoid these common errors when going through the process of selecting an attorney to create your trust or estate plan:

Choosing based on price alone — Selecting the cheapest attorney may result in poor-quality documents that cause costly problems later. Focus on value and experience instead.
Hiring a general practitioner — Avoid lawyers who handle many areas of law but don’t focus on estate planning. Estate planning requires specific knowledge to ensure everything is legally sound.
Not checking reviews or references — Failing to research an attorney’s reputation can lead to disappointment. Look for reviews or ask for client referrals to gauge the lawyer’s reliability.
Overlooking communication style — If the estate lawyer doesn’t explain things clearly or respond promptly, it can cause confusion and delays. Choose someone who listens and communicates well.
Ignoring long-term needs — Estate plans require updates over time. Choose a lawyer who can adjust your plan as your life changes.

Contact Our Scottsdale Estate Planning Attorneys Today

At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC we can use our in-depth experience with Arizona estate planning to create and manage a plan that will meet all your needs and goals. Call now or reach us online for a free estate planning consultation. We can guide you through the process.