Posted by: Janielle Viggiano
When choosing an estate planner, there are four main things you look for. The first being trustworthiness. When it comes to choosing someone that is dealing with your finances and assets it is important to trust that person to not only deal with your stuff but to also steer you in the right direction of your planning. The next is professionalism. Your estate planning lawyer should be someone that is highly trained and recognized and that typically hold a certification or advanced legal degree. Thirdly is ethics. According to Donald West, “An ethical estate planning lawyer should consider all your needs and best interests above everything else. An ethical planner will always provide sound and legal advice and never recommend faddish or illegal scams to save or hide money.” Lastly, is commitment, your estate planning lawyer should have no problem staying late at work finishing the job and working with your accountant, insurance professional, and even your financial advisor. Below are some tips for choosing the best estate planner:
- Referrals from friends
- Check with banks
- Look for names that repeat
- Contact your state bar association
- Interview candidates
According to About.com, “When it comes to estate planning, a fiduciary is a person or institutions given the power to act on your behalf if you become disabled and on behalf of your beneficiaries after you die. This includes personal representatives, successor trustees, health care agents, attorneys in fact, and guardians.” Choosing a fiduciary is similar to choosing an estate planner because you want to pick someone that you can trust, is honest, and loyal.
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