Finding the Right Estate Planning Lawyer in Dallas, Texas
Have you thought about what will happen when you pass away? Who will get your home, your vehicles and your other property? An estate planning lawyer in Dallas, Texas, can provide you with valuable guidance, and by leveraging their expertise, you can make well-informed decisions about the future.
The right legal professional will have an in-depth understanding of federal and Texas state laws related to estate planning, allowing them to create a solution tailored to your specific needs and goals. In addition, the best person for the job is someone you can easily talk with about personal matters, since you will be sharing sensitive information.
So, how do you go about finding a Dallas estate planning lawyer you can trust? To make the task easier, follow the steps below.
Determine Your Needs
Before you begin the search for a lawyer, think about your needs. Are you looking to protect your assets for the benefit of your heirs? Do you need advice on advanced healthcare directives? Would you like to minimize wealth transfer taxes? Are you unsure of where to start? Considering what you need from an estate planning lawyer should help you find a professional with relevant expertise.
Talk to Family and Friends
Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights, as those who know you well can often anticipate what you might need or prefer. With that in mind, calling or texting the people you trust – starting with family members and close friends, but potentially moving on to ask neighbors and co-workers – might yield the name of a qualified Dallas estate planning lawyer.
Ask Another Attorney
If you’ve had a Dallas law firm handle any other type of legal matter – a business transaction, perhaps, or a child custody arrangement – reach out to ask for a professional recommendation. Any experienced estate attorney will almost certainly know lawyers who specialize in other areas of the law, and most are willing to provide referrals upon request.
Contact the State Bar
Visit the website for the State Bar of Texas, and you can get names of estate planning lawyers serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. The advanced search tool allows you to easily find lawyers who specialize in wills, estates and probate. Along with contact information, you can also see details about their practice areas, the size of their law firm and their disciplinary history.
Try an Online Search
Doing a quick Google search for estate planning lawyers in Dallas, Texas, is an obvious suggestion, but the approach can be effective. And to be honest, this is how many people find an estate attorney. Be aware, though, that a ranking at the top of the search results is no indication of someone’s legal expertise – with the right techniques, anyone can move up high in the rankings.
Learn About the Lawyers
Once you’ve compiled a list of Dallas estate attorneys, visit their websites to learn about their credentials. Websites are marketing tools, so you’ll only see the information the lawyer chooses to emphasize, but you should be able to determine their educational background and level of experience. Make time to read reviews, too, as the opinions of former clients can be extremely helpful.
Schedule Consultations
Using everything you’ve learned, narrow your list down to just a few selected Dallas estate planning lawyers and arrange to meet. Many legal professionals, including the team at Schultz & Kellar, offer free initial consultations. Time may be limited, however, so be sure to bring any requested documents and come with a list of questions you’d like the attorney to answer.
Making Your Decision
After meeting with a few estate planning lawyers, you’ll need to figure out which individual is the right choice. As you compare the attorneys you consulted, taking the following into account should help you come to the right decision:
How quickly did the lawyer respond to your request for a consultation?
Did the law office appear clean, comfortable and professional?
Was the attorney well-informed in regards to federal and state estate laws?
Were you able to get all of the information you needed during the meeting?
Does the lawyer seem to be an ethical, trustworthy and reliable person?
If any additional questions arise when you’re thinking the matter over, don’t hesitate to call or email the attorneys you’ve met. Given how important estate planning is, you really need to be fully informed.
Also, while cost is sure to be a consideration, it shouldn’t be your primary concern. Estate planning involves sorting out everything you’ve earned and accrued throughout your life, so hiring the cheapest attorney may not be the most sensible decision. It’s worth the investment to benefit your loved ones and ensure your peace of mind.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Schultz & Kellar Toda
When you’re ready to take the first step to estate planning, turn to the professional team at Schultz & Kellar, PLLC. We’re experts in the field, and we enjoy sharing our knowledge with people in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. With us, you’ll have the information you need to make sound decisions about your future.
For more details on the services we offer, or to arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the best estate planning lawyers in Dallas, Texas, contact us today.
