How to Choose the Right Tampa Estate Planning Lawyer for You
You have made the responsible and loving decision to draft an estate plan so you and your family are protected in the future. Now what? You may be tempted to find do-it-yourself forms online, but this is not recommended. Going forward with estate planning without the help of an attorney can result in mistakes being made that invalidate the protection you thought you had. Although working with a lawyer is important, not all attorneys are created equally, particularly for your case. Below, our Tampa estate planning lawyer outlines some qualities to look for.
Experience with Estate Planning Law
Just as you would not visit a dentist for a heart problem, you should not work with attorneys who do not specifically practice estate law. For example, you may find an excellent personal injury or criminal defense lawyer in your area. However, they may not have any experience in estate law and so, they cannot advise you on the challenges that may arise or how to overcome them. They may also not know the documents you need for your specific situation.
Always ensure any lawyer you are working with practices mainly in estate law. Also make sure they have several years of experience practicing in this legal area.
Good Communication Skills
You also want to ensure that your attorney has good communication skills. You may want to update your plan from time to time, or your loved ones may have to get ahold of the attorney at some point for a copy of the will or other estate planning documents. You want to ensure that your attorney will respond promptly and that they have good communication skills. Ask any attorney you meet with how long they take to respond to requests. Also make sure they explain everything you need to know in a clear way that is easy to understand.
Read Reviews
There are few better ways to understand what working with an estate planning attorney is like than hearing from other people who have directly worked with them. While reading the testimonials on an attorney’s website can help, do not rely on these alone. Attorneys have full control over the testimonials that do and do not appear on their website. Instead, search third party review sites such as Google Business Profile to get unbiased opinions.
Trust Your Instincts
Last but certainly not least, it is important to trust your own gut and intuition. You will have to tell your lawyer many personal details about your life and preferences. Make sure that you feel comfortable with them and have a good rapport. This will make it easier as you make difficult decisions when creating your estate plan.
Call Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Tampa
If you are ready to plan your estate, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our Tampa estate planning lawyer at Messina Law Group, P.A. Our experienced attorney will review the facts of your case to gain a full understanding of your goals and wishes, and execute documents properly so you and your family are protected. Call us now at (813) 492-7798 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2000/732.2025
