Questions To Ask An Estate Planning Lawyer
Drafting an estate plan is one of the most responsible and loving things you can do for your family. When creating your plan, it is strongly recommended that you work with a Daytona Beach estate planning attorney. If you do not understand the laws, the tools available, or how to execute them properly, neither you or your family may have the protection you had intended.
Before choosing an attorney to work with, it is recommended that you meet with a few to determine which one might be right for you. When you first start discussing your case, it can be helpful to ask certain questions. Below, our experienced attorney outlines the most important questions to ask.
What is Your Experience?
Estate planning in Florida is about much more than simply drafting a will. You need to ensure any estate planning attorney you work with has the necessary experience to not only draft the tools you need, but also advise on the types of resources that will be most helpful to you, such as wills and trusts. For example, a special needs trust can ensure that your child does not lose government benefits they rely on.
Ask any attorney about the level of experience they have, if they have executed powers of attorney, trusts, or wills in the past, and the estate planning strategies they think might be right for you.
How Long Have You Been Practicing?
The amount of time an attorney has been practicing is indicative of the experience they have. Additionally, it is also recommended to work with an attorney who has been practicing long enough to see certain documents go into effect upon someone’s death. These attorneys will have experience with court contests and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and know how to overcome these challenges.
Do You Offer Regular Reviews?
It is important to regularly review your estate plan every few years, or after any major life change such as a birth, death, marriage, or divorce. Many attorneys will offer these reviews for a minimal fee. It can often be beneficial to have the same attorney who drafted your plan to review it with you, as they will already be familiar with your story and goals.
How Long to Create My Estate Plan?
While no one can determine exactly how long it will take to draft your complete estate plan, it usually takes between a few weeks to a few months. The amount of time it takes will depend on the complexity of your estate, the need for professional advice from accountants or retirement planners, and other factors. An experienced estate planning attorney can advise on how long it will take to create your plan after reviewing the facts of your case.
Our Estate Planning Attorney in Daytona Beach Can Answer Your Questions
If you have been thinking about drafting your plan, our Daytona Beach estate planning attorney can answer your questions and provide the sound legal advice you need. Call Bundza & Rodriguez today at 386-252-5170 or fill out our online form to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2000/732.2025
