Estate planning is a complicated task that needs to be handled by an expert. Of course, there are a lot of online estate planning tools out there. However, these tools may not be effective in planning your estate the way you want it. For this reason you need to hire an estate planning attorney Brooklyn NY.
Who is an estate planning attorney? You may ask.
Estate Planning Attorney
An estate planning attorney is a lawyer who understand the legal process of getting financial affairs in order when you are preparing for an incapacitating event or your death. These professionals understand the ins and outs of estate planning. In addition, they have several years of mentoring, continuing legal education, and experience regarding estate and inheritance law.
In this article, I’ll provide you with details regarding an estate planning attorney and the role of this professional.
Role of an Estate Planning Attorney
Contrary to what most people think, estate planning is more than creating a trust or a last will. An estate planning attorney creates a living trust and develops plans to reduce or prevent estate taxes. These professionals work to make sure that all your savings and assets are safe from beneficiaries’ creditors after your death.
Some types of trusts and clauses within them can secure your estate from creditors inducing other individuals that may try to swoop in on an inheritance.
Estate planning lawyer play a key role in preparing an estate plan. They can also prepare other important estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and health care directives that allows you designate someone to make handle your affairs when you become unable to. Powers of attorneys give an individual the ability to sign in your name if you become unable to. Healthcare directives or healthcare power of attorney allows you to select someone to make crucial healthcare, financial, and legal decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.
Estate planning attorneys can also help you avoid guardianship or conservatorship problems if you need someone else to handle your affairs. For instance, if you have kids, you can appoint someone to look after them till they become adults. Or you can appoint conservators to look after your children and finances after your death.
Qualities of an Estate Planning Attorney
The estate planning attorney you hire to plan your estate will determine the success of your estate plan. If you hire a terrible estate planning attorney, you will surely get a terrible estate plan. However, if you hire a competent estate planning attorney, there is no way you wouldn’t get a quality estate plan. It is quite simple.
To ensure that you hire the right estate planning attorney, I have provided you with some qualities to look out for when hiring an estate planning attorney.
When hiring an estate planning attorney, ensure you look for one who
- Devotes their practice to estate planning
- Makes you feel comfortable sharing intimate information of your life and concerns, so your estate plan is in line with your expectation and needs.
- Is well-versed in and current with the laws of your state. If not, your estate plan could be deemed invalid by the court and when such happens, your assets will be shared and managed based on the intestate law of your state.
Looking for an Estate Planning attorney Brooklyn, NY?
Are you a resident of, Brooklyn, New York and is in search of an estate planning attorney but done seem to know how to find one? Worry no more! There are a lot of ways to find an estate planning attorney; that is, one you can comfortably work with and trust. You can begin by asking someone who already knows you (a friend, family relative, financial accountant or adviser, etc.). Your local or state bar association is another option. You can as well ask the local probate court and talk to other attorneys.
Before hiring an estate planning attorney, it is may be possible to carry out a little interview by phone to help you determine your ability to communicate effectively with them. In addition, don’t hesitate to ask questions to find out if the individual is the right person for the job.
