When You Need an Estate Planning Attorney

When You Need an Estate Planning Attorney

Major Life Events That Require Estate Planning

• Marriage or remarriage
• Birth or adoption of children
• Divorce
• Death of spouse
• Significant inheritance
• Buying a home
• Starting a business
• Retirement
• Serious illness diagnosis
• Moving to a new state

Specific Situations Requiring Estate Planning

1. You have minor children — Without a guardian designation, courts decide
2. You own real estate — Probate can be expensive without planning
3. You have a blended family — Special considerations apply
4. You have a special needs family member — Special trusts protect benefits
5. You own a business — Succession planning is critical
6. You have significant assets — Tax planning matters
7. You want to disinherit someone — Requires careful drafting
8. You have charitable goals — Various structures available
9. You face serious illness — Time is of the essence
10. You want to avoid probate — Living trusts provide alternatives

When You Need a Probate Attorney

After Someone Dies, Hire a Probate Attorney If:

• Significant assets are involved
• Real estate must be transferred
• Business interests exist
• The will is being contested
• Family disputes are arising
• Creditor claims exist
• Tax issues are complex
• The estate is in multiple states

Time-Sensitive Situations

Hire Immediately If:

• You're facing terminal illness
• A loved one just died with no estate plan
• You're being pressured to sign documents
• A family member is contesting a will
• Court deadlines are approaching
• Tax deadlines are upcoming

Common Mistakes Without an Attorney

• Using online forms without understanding implications
• Not updating documents after life changes
• Forgetting beneficiary designations
• Not coordinating documents
• Missing tax strategies
• Failing to fund trusts
• Inappropriate document choices
• Vague language

Questions to Ask When Hiring

1. What's your estate planning experience?
2. What types of estates do you typically handle?
3. What's your fee structure?
4. Will I work with you or staff?
5. How often should plans be updated?
6. What documents do I need?
7. Can you handle complex situations?
8. What about taxes?
9. How do you handle probate?
10. What ongoing services do you offer?

A free consultation can clarify your needs and help you choose the right attorney for your situation.