How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney in Grand Rapids MI

So, you are looking for an attorney to help you with estate planning in Grand Rapids MI. Now Grand Rapids isn’t lacking in attorneys that offer such services. That being said, one shouldn’t rely on advertising alone when choosing legal representation for something as crucial as estate planning.

You need to approach firms that enjoy a good reputation in town. You need legal professionals that possess a clear understanding of state and federal laws pertaining to an estate. So how do you find an estate planning attorney that adheres to these qualities?

That is the question we intend to answer in this article. We will acquaint you with a few tips that will help you learn how to find an estate planning attorney in Grand Rapid MI that you can trust to represent you in matters related to your estate.

Before we dive in, let’s first understand what exactly the role of an estate planning attorney is.

What Estate Planning Entails?

Estate planning for most folks revolves around finding lawyers for a will. However, there is a lot more to it than setting up trusts. Estate Planning attorneys can assist you with a number of things such as

•       Setting up guardianship
•       Composing one’s Will
•       Protecting assets from creditors
•       Consulting on plans to acquire tax benefits
•       Designate beneficiaries
•       Setting up Medical and Durable Power of Attorney
•       Design plans to simplify or eliminate probate

Now that you know what an estate planning attorney does let us now focus on tips that you can employ to find an estate planning attorney in Grand Rapid MI without a hassle.

Tips on How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney

1. Know Your Requirements

Why do you need an estate planning attorney? This is the very first question you need to ask yourself when seeking such types of legal representation. What goals do you wish to accomplish with your estate plan? Do you wish to write a new will from scratch, or do you seek to revise a plan that already exists?

You may need legal assistance to fund a trust or reduce future tax liabilities on your estate. Being clear about your goals will make it easier for you to find an attorney that’ll help you accomplish them.

2. Seek References from Friends and Family

A recommendation coming straight from a friend or family member can give you peace of mind. If you trust your friends and family, then perhaps you can trust them to point you in the right direction based on their own experiences. We suggest you use your social network to find and shortlist attorneys in your area with substantial goodwill to their name.

Everyone from your friends and relatives to your close neighbors can prove to be a valuable source of information.

3. Restrict your Search to Grand Rapid, MI.

We live in the age of the Internet. As such, you might be tempted to jump on Google and broaden your search, perhaps look for attorneys outside Grand Rapids MI… i.e., outside your home state. This is a bad idea. You need to understand that laws pertaining to estate planning vary from state to state. If you live in Michigan and have an estate there, then it is imperative you find an attorney that’s licensed in Michigan.

You need the help of someone that is privy to your state’s specific laws. This is exactly why it is mandatory that you keep your search restricted locally when finding a lawyer for a will or estate.

4. Get in Touch with Your Prospects for Interview

Once you’ve shortlisted a few names, the next logical step would be to get to know about them before you hire them. We recommend making a list of questions that you must ask to learn whether you can trust their expertise to serve your interests.

These are the questions you should ask

•       How long have you been practicing law?
•       Who will be the point of contact at the firm?
•       From where did you get your law degree?
•       What certifications do you possess?
•       What are the fees or rates?
•       Are there any additional charges?

The Bottom Line

Setting up an estate plan is probably the most important thing you’ll undertake in your life, which is what makes a vast majority of individuals curious enough to ask – ‘how to find a lawyer for wills and estates that I can trust?’  A strong estate plan will not only protect you but also ensure a secure future for your loved ones.

This is why we recommend going with the very best there is, and The Law Offices of Sean Patrick Cox is considered to be home to the best estate planning or elder law attorney in Grand Rapids MI. You can count on us to create the ideal estate plan reviewed by experts in the field.

If you have a question, we’ll be happy to answer.