An Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago Illinois is an experienced lawyer who can help you protect your assets and pass them on to your loved ones in the event of death. Having an estate plan can reduce the amount of time and money it takes to pass your property on after you die, as well as eliminate unnecessary expenses and delays in probate.
An estate plan can include a last will and testament, advanced health care directives like living wills and healthcare powers of attorney, and a trust. A good estate planning lawyer will be familiar with all of these options and work with you to create a plan that works for your needs.
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Attorney
The most important thing to look for in an estate planning attorney is a person who you feel comfortable working with. You will be providing them with a lot of personal information, and you want to make sure that they are someone you can trust to act on your behalf.
You also need to find out how long they have been in practice. This is a good way to find out if they are someone you can trust to provide you with legal services, and if they have the experience needed for your case.
It is also a good idea to look for an attorney who has passed the bar in your state, as laws and probate procedures vary widely from state to state. An attorney who specializes in estate planning in your state will have the best understanding of your local laws.
Other things to consider when choosing an estate planning attorney are the fees they charge and whether they are able to handle your case at any stage of life. Some firms charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, but others will ask for a retainer upfront before they begin working on your case.
If you’re planning for a child, an estate planning attorney might recommend a special needs trust, which is a legal document that can be used to help ensure your child receives proper medical and educational care when they need it. They can also help you determine if you need to take advantage of government benefits programs for your loved one’s long-term care needs.
What to Expect when Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
Often, the most effective way to find an attorney is through referrals from friends and family members. They can recommend an attorney that they have worked with in the past, and they will have a great idea of how well that relationship went.
You should also check out an estate planning firm’s website, to see if they are well-reviewed by previous clients. You should also speak to the lawyers who work for the company that you’re considering, so that they can give you a better sense of how well they work with their clients.
You can also check out your employer’s legal plan benefits, which may have a list of attorneys that are recommended to you. Depending on your individual situation, you should also check with the financial professionals that you work with — accountants, bankers, and insurance agents — to find out if they have an estate planning attorney in their network.
