How Do I Choose the Right Lawyer for a Trust in Tampa?
Trusts are central to many estate plans in Tampa, and one of the first steps in establishing a trust is to choose an appropriate lawyer. This might seem like a minor step, but it is more important than many people realize. An experienced, trustworthy lawyer can help you protect your assets and achieve your estate planning goals. On the other hand, the wrong choice could lead to serious financial consequences. How do you choose the right candidate?
Lawyer Steals Millions From Trust and Loses It at Casino
In September of 2024, the Miami Herald ran a story about a lawyer who had stolen millions from his client’s trust. He then lost all $1.75 million at his local Hard Rock Casino. This highlights the importance of choosing your lawyer carefully when establishing a trust. Although the lawyer was arrested and charged with grand theft, there is no real way for the affected family to get their hard-earned money back. Once it’s gone, it’s usually gone forever.
Note that in this particular scenario, the lawyer who helped the family establish their trust was also the trustee. This type of arrangement is not mandatory, and many people work with lawyers to establish trusts before choosing different people to serve as their trustees. This “separation of powers” could be beneficial in many situations. That being said, a trustworthy lawyer can certainly serve as a trustee – and not all lawyers steal trust assets.
Consider the Lawyer’s Background
If you want to select a suitable lawyer to establish your trust, you should consider their background. First, ask about their educational qualifications. Did they graduate at the top of their class? What school did they go to? Did they win any awards or honors while studying law?
You might also want to ask about their experience level. How long have they been practicing law? How long have they been focusing on estate planning? How many trusts have they established in the past? Have they had any disciplinary issues in the past? These are all important questions when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
Consider Their Community Involvement
You might also want to consider any volunteering or involvement the lawyer has with their community. This type of altruistic behavior may speak volumes about their commitment to ethics. For example, Paul Knudsen at Knudsen Law is a father of three who volunteers as a Cub Scout Den Leader and a Little League Baseball Coach.
Start Consulting With Seminole Estate Planning Lawyers
If you’re serious about establishing a trust, you should start meeting with Tampa estate planning lawyers. Although online research is a positive first step, sometimes the only way to truly assess a lawyer is to meet with them face-to-face. There are no obligations when you schedule a consultation, and you do not have to hire a lawyer after meeting with them. Consider speaking with Knudsen Law about your estate planning goals in more detail.
Source:
miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article291969385.html
