Questions to Ask During a Consultation with a Tampa Estate Planning Lawyer
An initial consultation with a Tampa estate planning lawyer is an excellent educational opportunity. This meeting should give you the chance to ask questions, learn more about the estate planning process, and assess your next steps. But what questions should you ask your lawyer? How can you get the most out of your consultation?
What Kind of Clients Do You Serve?
It might help to get a sense of the lawyer’s client base. Do they help families, business owners, seniors, or all of the above? Those who engage in estate planning tend to be somewhat older, but it’s never too early to get started. After asking this question, you might find that the lawyer is already helping people just like you.
What Potential Estate Planning Issues Might I Face?
After you have had a chance to explain your financial situation, you might ask your lawyer if they foresee any potential issues in the future. This might require a more in-depth discussion, as not all potential issues are financial in nature. Many problems arise from family relationships, for example. Suppose you have an adult child who is very irresponsible with money. Maybe you’re concerned that one of your relatives will challenge the validity of your Will after being disinherited.
How Do I Approach My Complex Assets?
Many people approach estate planning with complex assets. A classic example is a family business, which may require a succession plan. You might also have antiques, fine art, and collectibles that are difficult to appraise. Broadly speaking, any asset that is difficult to value or illiquid is “complex.” You might also argue that all assets worth over $1 million are inherently complex.
Complex, high-value assets can be challenging for many reasons – and online research may not provide you with many answers. The unique nature of these assets means that you will likely need a personalized estate plan. A common solution is a trust, and many high-net-worth families choose this option to handle complex assets.
What Kind of Experience Do You Have?
When choosing between estate planning lawyers, it makes sense to ask them about their experience levels. How many estate plans have they handled in the past? Do they have experience with trusts, Wills, powers of attorney, and other estate planning strategies? You might also want to ask your lawyer about their general philosophy toward estate planning – and what they prefer to prioritize during this process.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation with an Estate Planning Lawyer in Tampa?
Scheduling a consultation with an estate planning lawyer in Tampa is easy. All you need to do is contact a few local candidates. Note that you are under no obligation to hire a lawyer after meeting with them for the first time. You can take your time, ask questions, and consider your options before choosing a specific candidate. Consider scheduling a consultation with Knudsen Law. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Sources:
help.flcourts.gov/Other-Resources/Probate
floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet026/
