It is hard to talk about death, but that is the ultimate truth of life. After you are gone, you would want your assets and estate to end up in the right hands, for which you must create a will. Estate planning, however, is much more than creating a will. It is about planning for the future and keeping a tab on possible contingencies. Working with an estate planning lawyer New Jersey can help you create a perfect set of valid estate-related documents. Here’s all about hiring an attorney.
What can an estate planning lawyer do?
The role of an estate planning lawyer is to ensure that clients get the support they need to make key decisions related to their estate. This includes –
- Advising on the technical aspects of estate planning
- Offering advice and counsel for making crucial decisions
- Explain the pros and cons of your choices
- Explain the role of guardians and trustees
- Ensure that your wishes are honored
- Help you draft the documents
- Get your will notarized
- Advise on potential tax savings
How to choose a lawyer?
First and foremost, make a shortlist of local attorneys in NJ. Ensure that the lawyer dedicates a significant part of their practice to estate planning law. An attorney who dons many hats at the same time may not be your best bet. You can check online websites for references or ask around. Ensure that the lawyer is licensed, and if you want to know more, check social media and online reviews.
Avoid DIY estate planning
You may find online estate planning services that promise to simplify everything related to the process. Creating a will or other documents is more than just about filling out a few forms. You need sound, unbiased, and bespoke legal advice, which can only come from a human. Automated estate planning can go terribly wrong, and more importantly, your documents may not be binding after you are gone.
Call an attorney
Meet an attorney in person and be honest about what you own. Once you explain your wishes and interests, your attorney can advise you on the basic aspects, including dos and don’ts related to the process. Your attorney’s role is to ensure that you don’t end up making mistakes that can impact your estate or your loved ones. For that, they may take a step ahead and advise you on creating a trust or other key estate planning documents.