Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney

A skilled estate planning attorney helps ensure that your health care decisions and final property distribution are carried out according to your wishes. An attorney can help you set up a trust, establish beneficiary designations on bank accounts and other assets, and make arrangements for preserving your wealth and providing for loved ones after your death or incapacity.

During the estate-planning process, your lawyer will ask questions about your family structure and personal values, your desires regarding incapacity, and what you would like to happen to your assets and property after you die. This information is used to create a comprehensive plan that minimizes legal complications and provides for your family’s future security.

Estate Planning Attorney: Creating a Comprehensive Plan for Your Assets

In addition, an experienced estate planning attorney can help you reduce taxes by incorporating tax-saving strategies into your plan. This includes minimizing state and inheritance taxes, as well as maximizing asset distribution to heirs with minimal tax costs.

The attorney will also work with you to establish long-term care arrangements, such as trusts and beneficiary designations, that provide for financial support in case you need a nursing home or other type of residential care. This can help you save your savings, qualify for Medicaid, or cover the cost through long-term care insurance.

When shopping for an estate planning attorney, Zimmet recommends that you look for someone who puts you at ease and answers your questions in a way that makes sense to you. It is important to choose an attorney that understands your unique situation, and you can get a good sense of this during your initial phone call with the attorney or in your consultation.