How to choose an estate planning attorney is a question many people ask when they begin thinking seriously about protecting their assets and planning for the future. Your estate plan plays a critical role in ensuring your wishes are honored, your family is cared for, and your legacy is preserved. That’s why choosing the right estate planning attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you select a qualified and trustworthy professional who can guide you through the process.
Understand What You Need from an Estate Planning Attorney
Before contacting anyone, take a moment to define your goals. Do you simply need a basic will, or are you looking for help with a revocable living trust, powers of attorney, or Medicaid planning?
Some common services offered by an estate planning attorney include:
- Drafting wills and trusts
- Creating advance directives or living wills
- Establishing durable powers of attorney
- Minimizing estate taxes
- Planning for long-term care or incapacity
- Business succession planning
The complexity of your estate, and your family situation, will determine how experienced your attorney needs to be.
Look for a Lawyer Who Specializes in Estate Planning or Elder Law
Not every attorney practices estate law. For peace of mind, choose someone who specializes in estate planning or elder law, rather than someone who does it occasionally.
Attorneys who focus on this area of law are better equipped to stay updated on changes in estate and tax laws and can offer solutions tailored to your unique needs, especially if you have a blended family, second marriages, own a business, or have property in multiple states.
Click here for guidance on estate planning for blended families and second marriages,
Ask Trusted Professionals and Friends for Referrals
A great way to begin your search is by asking people you trust. Start with:
- Family and friends
- Financial advisors
- CPAs or tax preparers
- Other attorneys you’ve worked with
Getting a referral from someone who knows your situation can help you find an estate planning attorney whose communication style and professionalism are a good fit.
Do a Thorough Background Check
Once you’ve found a few attorneys, do your due diligence. Here’s how:
- Check their license status with your state bar association
- Look up any disciplinary history
- Read online reviews and testimonials
- Visit their website to explore their services, credentials, and blog content
- Confirm their involvement in legal organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
A well-qualified estate planning attorney will typically have years of experience and strong client feedback.
Schedule a Consultation and Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring an estate planning attorney, it’s a good idea to schedule a free or low-cost consultation. Many attorneys offer this as a first step. This meeting helps you determine whether the attorney is a good fit and gives you the chance to ask important questions about their experience and approach to estate planning law.
Consider asking:
- How long have you been practicing estate planning law?
- What percentage of your practice is dedicated to estate planning?
- Do you charge a flat fee or bill by the hour?
- What’s your process for creating or updating an estate plan?
- Will I work directly with you or with someone else on your team?
Use this time to assess how clearly the estate planning attorney communicates and whether they show genuine interest in your goals and not just your assets.
Evaluate Their Communication Style and Availability
Working with an estate planning attorney is a personal experience, so it’s important to choose someone who communicates clearly and listens to your concerns. The right attorney should explain legal terms in simple, understandable language and make you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information.
In addition, consider how accessible your estate planning attorney will be over time. Will they respond promptly to your questions or be available when your plan needs updating? Estate planning isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process. Choose an attorney who’s committed to building a lasting relationship.
Choose Someone Who Offers Long-Term Support
Life changes, and so should your estate plan. You may need to update your documents after marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or major financial changes.
That’s why it’s important to choose an estate planning attorney who offers ongoing support and updates over time. Some firms even offer annual reviews or estate plan maintenance packages to keep your documents current.
Need to update your estate plan after a life event? Here is when and how to revise it
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney Matters
Choosing an estate planning attorney is more than checking off a box – it’s about finding a professional who understands your values, communicates clearly, and brings peace of mind. Take your time, ask smart questions, and select someone who makes you feel confident that your affairs and your family are in safe hands.
Work With Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys in Connecticut
At Farrell & Grochowski, we specialize in estate planning and elder law. Attorneys Ann Farrell and Christine Grochowski both hold advanced legal degrees in estate planning, while Attorney Phillip Wright brings 30 years of experience as the Probate Judge in Wallingford. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update an existing plan, we’re here to guide you. Call us at 203-269-7756 or contact us to schedule your consultation today.
