Finding the Right Estate Planning Attorney for You
On this episode of A Wiser Retirement Podcast, Casey Smith and Brad Lyons, CFP® are joined by Doug Butler who is an Attorney at Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele. Doug is a partner within the firm’s Corporate and Transactional, Insurance Regulatory, and Self-Insured/Captive Insurance Departments. They talk about how to find the right estate planning attorney for you.
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SUMMARY:
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Attorney
Start by doing research on estate planning attorneys in your area. Look for attorneys who are experienced in your needs. Make sure they have a team to assist them in their processes. This will help your deadlines to be met promptly. Try to choose a larger firm because they are often more responsive. Keep in mind, solo practitioners don’t have the same resources and their process will often be time consuming. After you choose an estate planning attorney, schedule a consultation to see if the firm will be the right fit for your needs. Most firms offer a consultation free of charge!
Why is having an estate planning attorney important?
It’s important to meet with an estate planning attorney every four years. This will help you to reevaluate your plan because a lot can change in a few years. A few things that might trigger a new course of action include: a move to a new state, new tax laws, asset growth, or even a fallout within a family. Estate planning attorneys can also give instruction on how to handle a probate if a loved one passes away unexpectedly.
If you have homes in multiple states, should you have multiple power of attorneys in each state?
The short answer is no. You should have those decisions made in the state that you reside. However, it is important to properly manage your assets in other states. A good option is putting some assets into a revocable trust because it could help you to avoid the probate process.
Positive Attributes of an Estate Planning Attorney
A good estate planning attorney will explain the processes fully and be very detailed so the client can understand how each process works and how their needs are being met. Some attributes of a good estate planning attorney include being meticulous, client-focused, and prompt.
How can a family covenant assist in estate planning?
It is important to have a family covenant so you can identify your family’s mission statement. Although, it is not legally binding, an estate planning attorney can assist you in creating one. They can also help you explain, in your will, how you would like your loved ones to spend the money you leave behind.
Is it appropriate to bring the beneficiaries into the process?
Oftentimes, the process of choosing beneficiaries is very private. However, every situation is different. If you feel comfortable and want to let the beneficiary know of their responsibility, it can be beneficial. It can help the beneficiary handle the situation and not be taken back by it.
Creating a Will to Leave a Legacy
In a will, you won’t see much of an explanation from your loved one. However, you can customize your letter of instructions to explain to your loved ones why you have allocated your assets the way you have. It is also an opportunity to share your last thoughts with your beneficiaries. This will help with the grieving process and mitigate family conflict.
Download our white paper on “7 Steps to Leave a Financial Legacy”
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
5:51 or 13:55 What to Look for in an Estate Planning Attorney
10:00 Why is having an estate planning attorney important?
15:03 If you have homes in multiple states, should you have multiple power of attorneys or medical directives in each state?
18:54 Positive Attributes of an Estate Planning Attorney
25:40 How can a family covenant assist in estate planning?
27:18 Is it appropriate to bring the beneficiaries into the process?
37:58 Creating a Will to Leave a Legacy
LINKS:
Learn more about Casey Smith and connect with him on Twitter.
Learn more about Brad Lyons, CFP®.
Learn more about Doug Butler.
CONNECT:
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Learn more about A Wiser Retirement podcast and access previous episodes.