Blog Layout

A Quick Guide to Hiring an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

July 18, 2024

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most important things you can do to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones when you pass away. Having an experienced estate planning attorney guide you through the process can make all the difference. In fact, according to Legal Zoom, probate expenses can consume up to 10% of an estate's value, making it essential to have a plan in place. Here's more information about the importance of working with an experienced estate planning attorney.


Defining Estate Planning


Estate planning involves determining how to distribute your assets and possessions after your death. This includes drafting important legal documents like a will, trust, financial power of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. With thorough estate planning, you can minimize probate expenses, taxes, and family disputes to transfer your estate smoothly.


Why You Need an Estate Planning Attorney


Consulting an experienced estate planning attorney is highly recommended. Estate law can be complex, with many intricacies and pitfalls for the average person without legal expertise. An estate planning attorney knows how to create customized plans to fit your unique situation and goals. This gives you confidence that your final wishes are legally sound and helps avoid potential challenges down the road.


Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney


Not all estate planning attorneys have the same level of experience and qualifications. Be sure to pick someone with extensive expertise in estate law specifically, not just a general lawyer. Ask candidates about the percentage of their practice dedicated to estate planning. Look for an attorney certified as an estate planning specialist. Checking reviews from past clients is wise too.


The Benefits of Custom Tailoring Your Estate Plan


One major advantage of using an experienced estate planning attorney is that your plan can be tailored specifically to your needs. There are many options, like wills, trusts, asset titling, and beneficiary designations. The right attorney will discuss your goals, assets, and family circumstances to build a fully customized roadmap. In our experience, a "one-size-fits-all" estate plan risks missing important details.


Avoiding Costly Errors and Omissions


Estate laws are rather intricate, with many technicalities. Drafting your own estate documents without legal guidance leaves you prone to making costly mistakes. An estate planning attorney can ensure everything is set up correctly to avoid issues like an invalid will, taxes that could have been minimized, and assets not being distributed how you intended. Preventing even one costly error makes the attorney's counsel worthwhile.


Guidance on Difficult Family Dynamics


For many families, tensions and complications arise when distributing an estate. An experienced estate planning attorney has likely seen all kinds of complex family dynamics and can advise you on the options to protect your assets and keep the peace. Your attorney can also be an impartial mediator between family members if conflicts arise while settling your estate.


Demystifying Complex Legal Jargon


The world of estate planning comes with a lot of legal terminology that can be confusing for anyone without a law degree. An estate planning attorney can explain all aspects of your plan clearly using plain language you understand. You’ll feel confident knowing exactly how your wishes will be carried out thanks to your attorney breaking down the legalese.


Assistance Selecting Guardians


For parents with children who are minors, deciding on guardians who will care for them if they pass away can be daunting. Your estate planning attorney can help you think through factors like the potential guardians' financial situation, family structure, parenting styles, and your children's preferences. They can ensure your guardian selections are legally secured in your estate documents.


Keeping Your Plan Up-to-Date


Life brings many changes that can impact your estate plan. Events like births, deaths, marriages, divorces, relocations, and changes in asset value may require adjustments to your plan. An estate planning attorney can guide you in promptly making necessary updates to keep protecting your family and assets throughout life's stages.


Although estate planning may seem straightforward, there are many advantages to having an experienced estate planning attorney assist you. Their expertise allows you to craft a custom plan, avoid errors, handle family dynamics, decipher legalese, select guardians wisely, and keep your plan current. Investing in their counsel is worth the cost many times over for peace of mind. If you're ready to consult with an
estate planning attorney, reach out to us at Nelson Elder Care Law today.

estate planner
November 18, 2024
In this blog post, we'll discuss why it's never too late to hire an estate planner and the benefits of doing so at any stage in life.
estate planning lawyers
October 15, 2024
Are you wondering about the ways estate planning lawyers can help you? Continue reading to learn more helpful information.
estate planning
September 12, 2024
Read our blog to learn about the top five reasons to start estate planning now. If you need estate planning services, contact our team today!
July 17, 2024
John's life was upended when both his parents passed away within a month of each other. His father died first, followed shortly by his mother. John, a resident of Louisiana, and his parents who lived in Cobb County, thought they were completely prepared, having named beneficiaries on their accounts to make transferring the assets as easy as possible. Amidst his grief, John discovered they had missed naming a beneficiary on one significant account, which they planned to use for funeral costs. As the Executor of his mother's Last Will & Testament, John now faced the need to probate his mother's estate so he could access and distribute the funds in that account.  Like most people, John had no experience handling such legal matters, and the probate process seemed overwhelming. The thought of managing his parents' estate, especially from a different state, was daunting. He questioned whether he could handle the process and the legal complexities involved.
probate lawyer
June 10, 2024
When someone passes away in Georgia and has a will, it often needs to go through probate. Here are some of the common benefits of using a probate lawyer.
April 29, 2024
In an ever-evolving legal landscape, safeguarding your assets and securing your legal autonomy requires more than any one-size-fits-all approach could possibly provide. At Nelson Elder Care Law , we prioritize building meaningful relationships with families to gain insight into their specific financial, healthcare, and end-of-life goals. We specialize in crafting individualized solutions tailored to each family's unique needs, and educating our clients about the legal solutions that will truly empower them. This family-focused approach, and a deep understanding of the complexities of estate planning and asset protection, led us to create our innovative Absolute Protection Trust™. Unlike competitors' or DIY-internet trusts, we offer a range of unique differentiators that make our Absolute Protection Trust™ the premier choice for securing your assets and providing peace of mind: 1. Unparalleled Assurance and Protection: With an Absolute Protection Trust™, families gain the legal tools to safeguard their assets against unforeseen threats and vulnerabilies. Our comprehensive framework provides personalized protection, so you have the peace of mind that your priorities and goals are honored. 2. Preserve Your Autonomy with our Trust Protector™: Unlike traditional trusts that lack flexibility, ours offers the unique advantage of amending irrevocable trusts through our Trust Protector™. You retain the power to remove a Trustee, and we can modify or amend trust provisions if your life circumstances change, aligning your estate plan with your evolving needs and preferences. 3. Personalized Planning Team: Every family and client's situation is unique, so we provide a personalized legal team led by an experienced attorney to create your estate plan. Throughout the process, you'll meet with the same faces and speak to the same people, providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way. 4. Seamless Transfer of Assets: The wealth of experience and wisdom we've gained from serving more than 5,000 Georgia families over the years has shown us that the most crucial step in protecting your assets is making sure they are correctly transferred to your trust. With an Absolute Protection Trust™, you'll finalize your estate plan with one of our meticulously detailed Funding Managers. Their expertise in trust funding gives you concierge-level service in facilitating the transfer of assets into your trust, reducing client liability and increasing accuracy, letting you rest easy knowing your assets are protected. Contact us today to learn more about how our Absolute Protection Trust™ can benefit you and your family, and take the first step towards securing your legacy for generations to come.
April 5, 2024
How Trusts Minimize Taxes and Maximize Your Wealth. If you are over 65 and made more than $15,700 income in 2023, you are above the filing requirement that makes April less fun.
estate planning lawyers
March 20, 2024
Here are some reasons why it's time to start contacting local estate planning lawyers. Keep reading to learn more about why you shouldn't wait.
March 12, 2024
MYTH: Once you qualify for Medicaid nursing home care benefits, Medicaid will pay 100% of the cost.  MYTH BUSTED: Contrary to popular belief, receiving Medicaid doesn't mean the government automatically pays the entire bill for your nursing home care. In reality, you are expected to contribute a significant portion of your income towards the cost of care. This is known as the co-share, patient liability, or patient share of cost, and plays a crucial role in covering the expenses of your long-term care. Patient liability is your total monthly income minus approved allowances or deductions. The remaining amount is what you pay to the nursing home, while Medicaid covers the rest of the bill. With nursing home care in Georgia averaging $9,000-$11,000 per month, the financial benefit far outweighs the complexity of navigating Medicaid. Let's look at an example:
More Posts
Share by: