During our lives, we have the opportunity to accumulate property and assets that we want to pass on to family members, friends, and organizations we care about. Estate planning enables us to make sure our wishes are carried out, and that our assets are passed on in the most tax-efficient way possible.
A skilled and experienced Estate Planning Attorney can help you create a plan to meet your specific needs. Whether your estate is large or small, a good estate planning lawyer will work with you to ensure your estate is protected and your assets are distributed as you wish.
Finding the Best Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago Illinois
A good way to find an estate planning attorney is to ask friends and family for referrals. Also, look for a lawyer who has passed the bar in your state and is well-versed in the local laws of your area.
The most important thing to remember when hiring an estate planning attorney is that you need to feel comfortable with them and trust their advice. You may be sharing a lot of information about your life and finances during the process, so you want someone who makes you feel safe and secure.
An attorney who is not friendly or approachable will not be able to help you. This is especially true when you are discussing sensitive issues, like the distribution of your assets or how to care for your children.
In addition, an estate planning attorney who is knowledgeable about the relevant tax laws will be able to make sure your plans are tax-efficient. This can save you a significant amount of money in taxes and other expenses.
Often, these attorneys charge a flat fee or hourly rate for their services. It is a good idea to negotiate this upfront before starting the process so that you know how much you’ll be spending on legal services.
Another way to find an estate planning attorney is to visit a local bar association website. This will allow you to check their credentials, and also to see if they are in good standing with the bar association. You may also visit https://www.chicagoprobateattorneys.net/ to find great lawyers in Chicago.
The Bar Search feature will enable you to search for a lawyer by practice areas and keywords. Some of these searches will provide you with reviews from other clients, so you can get an idea of the quality of service a lawyer offers.
An attorney who is a member of a law firm will usually be able to offer you better prices than a solo practitioner or a smaller law firm, as they may have a larger staff and can handle more cases.
A good estate planning attorney will be familiar with the local and state laws regarding wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, as well as the tax issues that can arise when it comes to inheritance and estate planning. They can also advise you on how to minimize the amount of federal estate and gift taxes that will be owed.