There are some estates that greatly benefit from estate planning strategies that maximize asset protection. However, this is not an easy task. An experienced estate planning lawyer in Los Angeles can analyze your situation, listen to your goals, and come up with practical solutions.
Why Hire An Estate Planning Lawyer?
First of all, you probably won’t understand all of the estate planning laws. Your property could be distributed to someone you do not want to inherit it if you overlook an important law. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning in Los Angeles can reduce your tax liabilities as well. Federal and state estate taxes are complex. With the help of an estate planning attorney, you can ensure that you are aware of everything involved with these taxes so that you can plan accordingly.
Moreover, there are no two estate plans alike. In the course of his estate planning services, the lawyer you hire should ask about your interests, needs, and desires, and determine what is best for you.
Whenever a major life event occurs, such as a divorce or sickness, it’s important to update your estate plan so it continues to meet your wishes and the needs of your family. An estate planning attorney can ensure that all of your legal documents reflect your new wishes after a major life event.
Lastly, planning an estate can be an emotional process. Moreover, family dynamics can make it difficult to determine the best plan. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning add an extra voice of reason to your current and future needs. You will receive an unbiased and direct answer from them, which can help to protect your family in the future.
5 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring An Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure that you don’t pay a whole lot of money for services you don’t need, expect, or want, ask these questions before hiring an estate planning lawyer:
1. What Is Your Billing Procedure?
You should find an estate planning lawyer who charges a flat fee rather than charging by the hour unless it is required by the court. Ideally, you want a lawyer who will lead you through a discovery process in which they learn about your family dynamics, your assets, and what would happen to them if and when something happens to you, and assist you in choosing the best plan that meets your budget and your goals.
2. What Will You Do To Meet My Needs On An Ongoing Basis?
If your call is typically returned quickly, ask if someone will be on-hand to answer quick questions, and ask them how they will support you to keep your plan up to date on an ongoing basis and be there when you are unable to be.
3. How Will You Communicate With Me Proactively On An Ongoing Basis?
Your estate plan will be worth less than one that you make for yourself—and it’s likely to fail when you need it most if your lawyer does not have systems in place to ensure your assets are owned appropriately (throughout your life).
4. Is It Okay If I Call About Any Legal Issue I Have, Or Just About Matters Within Your Specialty?
Ideally, you should be able to consult with your lawyer about any legal or financial issues that may arise in your life, and trust that he or she will be able to offer you solid advice. Moreover, while your lawyer may not be able to advise you on every legal matter, he or she should at least be able to refer you to another trusted professional who can help you.
5. If You Die Or Retire, What Happens?
A lawyer with a detailed plan in place will ensure that someone else will take over your planning without any interruptions. The lawyer who prepared your will, trust, or other estate planning documents should have a contingency plan in place, so you won’t have to start over from scratch if your lawyer dies, retires, or otherwise becomes unavailable.
Hire A Dedicated Estate Planning Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of R. Grace Rodriguez, our Los Angeles estate planning attorneys’ experience in wills, trusts, and probate will help ensure your family’s bests interests. You will receive assistance with all aspects of estate planning, including understanding the differences and benefits of wills, trusts, and more.
Our team specializes in providing personal planning, whether in contemplation of death and the provision of loved ones in the future, or in separating your affairs during bankruptcy.
To learn more about our services, call us today at (818) 734-7223.