Searching for an estate lawyer can seem overwhelming. You want to find someone that you can trust to help you make the best possible decisions regarding your property and assets. It may be helpful to first understand the type of law that estate lawyers practice, which includes creating wills, trusts, guardianships and powers of attorney. Keep on reading to find out more about finding a good estate attorney in New York!
Finding A Good Estate Attorney In New York: Tips On How To Find One
Wills: What Will Happen To Your Possessions?
A will is a legal document declaring where you want your possessions to go when you die. Each state has different rules regarding how a will is written, so a competent estate lawyer can help you navigate those laws to protect your loved ones. If you die without a will, an estate lawyer can help your family sift through the legal red tape as smoothly as possible.
Trusts: Property for your beneficiaries
A trust specifies the property that is being held for your beneficiaries, along with the rules to be followed. Trusts can reduce tax liability and protect the property in your estate. A trust will also prevent your loved ones from having to deal with probate.
Trust funds are becoming increasingly popular due to the way they work. It’s a lot like saving up for someone dear. They will manage to enter into possession of said trust when they reach legal age, or after they married.
Guardianships: How to establish it
A guardian is set up for children when their parents can no longer take responsibility for them. For adults, who for physical or mental reasons cannot manage their affairs, a guardianship can also be established.
Guardianships are not to be taken lightly. They are a huge responsibility, both legally and morally. Taking guardianship over someone’s children is something one should think through.
Powers Of Attorney: Choose someone you trust
Granting someone the power of attorney is a big deal. It’s basically a huge responsibility. Why? Because you give that person a great deal of power. For this reason alone, it has to be someone you trust completely. If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, a designated power of attorney will make financial and personal decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney should be someone you trust to make the right choices. Creating an advance directive, which is the decision about the use of life-saving techniques like CPR, will ease the difficult decisions your power of attorney may need to make.
It’s a good idea to talk to your lawyer about what exactly power of attorney means and what power the person you want to designate will have over your assets, money, properties, and so on.
Characteristics of a Good Estate Lawyer
When searching for an estate lawyer, you will want to find someone who is not only competent but also ethical and responsible. Listed below are some traits to look for when choosing your estate lawyer.
- Truthful and Respectful. You need to know your attorney is being honest with you. This way there are no unpleasant surprises down the road. You also want a lawyer who respects your wishes. Check client reviews online to guide you, and ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
- Knowledgeable. You not only want an attorney that is knowledgeable about estate law in general. But who is also very familiar with your state and local laws. A New York estate lawyer, for example, must be well versed in the laws that apply to New York residents. A competent estate lawyer will get the wording just right so there are no ambiguities.
All things considered, choosing a good attorney is not as easy as one might expect. Nevertheless, do your research and ask a lot of questions. This is the only way that you find the best estate lawyer to protect you and your loved ones.