Creating an estate plan is challenging. Not only is it difficult to think about your own death, but it can also be confusing to identify what you truly want to happen with your possessions and assets. Without the right estate planning attorney, the process is even more complicated.
Before hiring an estate planning attorney, you’ll want to ask them a series of questions to get to know them and their experience a bit better. Let’s check out some of the most important questions you should be asking.
1. What experience do you have with estate planning?
When it comes to your family’s future, you want to be sure you’re putting your trust in the right hands. Ask what experience the attorney has in estate planning to get a better understanding of how many individuals they have helped through the estate planning process.
2. How long does the process take?
Creating an estate plan usually doesn’t have a clear timeline. While you may not be in a rush to get it finished, you also don’t want to drag the process out too long. Speak with estate planning attorneys about how long the process usually takes them.
3. What is your update and maintenance process like?
An estate plan needs to be updated consistently. As your family grows, you take on new assets, or you sell property off, you want to make sure your estate plan accurately reflects what you own and who it should be given to after you pass. Ask estate planning attorneys what their standard process is for updating estate plans or wills.
4. Can you help me create a revocable living trust?
In most cases, you will need to have a revocable living trust in place before you die to ensure your estate plan can be carried out correctly. This means you’ll want the assistance of an estate planning attorney to walk you through this process. Make sure they’re able to help you with this step before you hire the firm.
If you’re in search of an attorney to help you create your New York estate plan, contact the Brooklyn office of Michael F. Kanzer and Associates.