Hiring an estate planning attorney in Jackson MS is a smart decision to make, particularly if you have a complex family or financial situation. Even if your situation is straightforward, an estate planning lawyer will make sure that your estate follows the laws in Mississippi and that the decisions you make are in your best interest.
As you meet with an estate planning professional, here are important questions to ask to determine if they are qualified to help you.
How much experience do you have?
The longer the attorney has been in practice, the better. It’s not just experience that matters in this situation but also that the attorney has had the opportunity to see how the estate plan worked when their client became disabled or passed away. This gives you confidence that the documents being prepared for you will work when the time comes.
Do you focus entirely on estate planning?
Generalist lawyers can provide basic estate planning services such as healthcare documents, power of attorney and a simple will. However, it’s recommended to work with a legal professional who is more specialized in this field. This is particularly important if you have a complicated family situation or taxable estate. Lawyers who concentrate on estate planning are more knowledgeable in the state laws, too.
Do you provide maintenance? If so, how much does this cost?
Many estate planning attorneys in Jackson MS provide a one-time service, meaning that they draft the paperwork and complete the transaction. If you want the documents updated, you will have to pay for the changes to be made. Other attorneys make contact on an annual or semi-annual basis and keep your documents updated for a small fee. Ask about what options are available to you, as it’s important to keep your estate current.
No matter how good an estate planning lawyer looks on paper, it’s important that you can see yourself working with this individual. You will be sharing the intimate details of your life with this person, so you need to feel comfortable with them. If you are in need of an estate planning professional who is friendly and personable, schedule a consultation with Susan Pinkston.
