#1 Does the lawyer offer a free consultation, and will he go over the specifics of the agenda for the first meeting?

You should be able to meet with a lawyer for a free, no-commitment consultation. First, speaking with them will put you at ease and enable you to openly discuss your problem. You will also have the chance to question the attorney's suitability to handle your legal issues. Second, the lawyer will learn more about your circumstances by probing you with questions. It's possible that you won't get along with this lawyer. However, the lawyer has the right to decide that your case is outside the purview of his practice or is not one he wants to take on. To be successful and effective, this type of collaboration must be comfortable for both you and your attorney.

#2 Does the lawyer have a set price for the services he'll render? Will this price be confirmed in writing?

Every lawyer should employ a formal contract known as a retainer agreement. The attorney is obligated to abide by this arrangement and make it clear in this contract how much you will be charged. According to Aly Sosa, the lawyer must give you a detailed summary of his fee schedule, the services he will offer, and your available payment methods. Before you sign this agreement, you should carefully read it to understand the fees, the services the attorney will provide, the information he will need from you, any deadlines involved, and any other obligations you have. If there is anything in the agreement or elsewhere that you do not understand, never be afraid to ask the lawyer any questions. You should enquire as to the projected completion date.

A flat charge keeps you from receiving an unforeseen high bill when the services are complete, which encourages the attorney to work effectively. If the lawyer's task takes longer than he anticipated, it may result in this.

#3 Does the lawyer offer a warranty for his work? If you're not entirely satisfied, will he refund your money?

Your attorney is employed by you and compensated to assist you with estate planning. If you're not satisfied with the lawyer's services, you shouldn't put up with them. Your lawyer should also be open to making changes to the initial paperwork that he draughts. However, unless you have the attorney on retainer, you shouldn't anticipate the attorney changing these documents after he has prepared them and you have indicated your approval. Please be aware that no lawyer can assure you a victory should your case go to trial.

#4 Will the lawyer assist you in selecting wisely when it comes to retirement planning, insurance, and college funding for your kids?

All other difficult choices that will need to be made, such as purchasing insurance, setting money aside for the future, preparing for retirement, and saving for college, should be assisted by your attorney. The appropriate legal documents and vehicles to use for your estate planning needs should also be recommended to you by them. According to Aly Sosa, your attorney should have a group of reliable consultants ready to go to assist you in making the greatest choices.

Find a new attorney if your current one is reluctant or unable to give you guidance on these issues. By employing such a lawyer, you may be able to avoid making costly errors and save both time and money that would otherwise be spent looking for other specialists.

#5 Does your lawyer have a procedure in place to respond promptly to client phone and email inquiries? Will your lawyer keep you updated on the status of your case?

Your attorney is required to immediately reply to your calls, emails, and inquiries. In addition to the development of your estate planning documents, the attorney you hire will also provide you with legal advice, support, and attention. How often have you heard from friends and family that a lawyer takes days, weeks, or even longer to answer the phone? Do not put up with such unprofessional conduct. Ask your attorney about this, and if he is unable to persuade you that he has a plan in place for this, continue looking for an attorney who will respond to you right away.

#6 Does your lawyer have a strategy in place to help you preserve and convey all that is significant to you, including your intellectual and spiritual assets in addition to your material wealth?

Some lawyers are aware that, in addition to your net worth and the value of your brokerage and retirement accounts, wealth is also determined by your personality. According to Aly Sosa, your intangible assets are extremely valuable—almost priceless. Examples include the life lessons you have acquired over a lifetime of wealth accumulation or the knowledge you have gained from your experiences that you would like your children to learn more about. Some factors need to be kept in mind.

Choose an attorney who will assist you in locating, cataloging, and transferring all of your assets, including those intangible ones that are typically disregarded, when determining whether or not to hire one.