When it comes to planning your estate, you want to make sure you get things right. Otherwise, your loved ones will be left in a situation that is at best awkward, and at worst, outright contentious. Proper planning takes care of these problems before they have a chance to sprout. Selecting a good estate planning attorney is a great way to ensure you have peace of mind around what will happen to your estate after you die. The following considerations will help you get started when finding an estate planning attorney in St. Charles.
Get a Good List of Candidates
You don’t want to limit yourself to one or two options as you search for the right attorney. At the same time, it would be unwise to interview anybody whose name comes along. This would just serve to muddy the waters. Make every effort to find someone who has a solid portfolio of experience and that comes well-recommended. Avoid attorneys who have little to no experience or are fresh out of college. They need to earn their stripes, and your estate is not the one you want them to be experimenting with.
Ensure the Quality of Your Attorney’s Credentials
Not all experience is equal. An estate planning attorney that has a background in real estate law would be a better choice than one is relatively untested in that area. This is because of the overlap in the two legal disciplines. Also, it is a good idea to choose an attorney who serves your local area. They will know the lay of the land, specifically any legal issues that apply to your area in particular.
Check for Bar Association Memberships
A good attorney will be a member of at least a couple of bar associations. This information can be readily found by going to the bar association and taking a look at their records. Again, you want a solid professional with a strong reputation, so validating bar memberships will help you cross your T’s and dot your I’s.
Have Honest Interactions with Prospective Attorneys
Sit down and connect with estate planning attorneys you are considering. This will likely be a long relationship, and you want to be able to have a solid rapport. A good attorney, while busy, will take the time needed to have a friendly sit-down with you and get to know you.
If you’re looking for a quality attorney to plan your estate in St. Charles, you can’t go wrong with Jackson Abdalla Law Group, P.C. With the proper experience and knowhow, your estate will be in good hands.
