Dear Liz: The question from the couple who wanted to leave a home to their four children hit home with me. I’m in the same boat but with only two kids. How do I go about finding an estate planning attorney that I can trust and also afford?
Answer: Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family and any financial professionals you trust. If you already have a CPA, for example, chances are they can refer you to a good estate planning attorney in your area. Consider interviewing a few candidates to make sure they handle situations similar to yours.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, consider the attorney’s overhead. Fancy buildings in expensive areas may impress, but you can find competent attorneys in less ornate offices, perhaps in suburbs or smaller towns, who charge less.