Choosing the right wills and trust attorney is the most significant personal and financial decision you take in life. These attorneys not only draft documents, but also help you plan for the future and protect your assets so that your family is cared for in the best way after you are gone. At Albert Maimone & Associates in Queens, New York, we ensure you secure your legacy the right way. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys work closely with you to create a comprehensive, personalized strategy that reflects your goals, addresses potential challenges, and provides peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Writing a will or trust is not just about listing who gets what or preparing documents. It also involves smart legal strategy, clear communication, and a deep understanding of the estate laws. This is why choosing the right attorney in Queens is essential, one who can simplify complex legal concepts, anticipate challenges before they arise, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
With so many lawyers offering estate planning services, it often becomes a challenge to pick a good, if not a great, wills and trusts attorney who understands your long-term goals and family needs and works accordingly.
Read on to discover what makes a good wills and trust attorney and the key factors you should consider when choosing a legal professional who can bring clarity to your estate planning journey and help you make informed decisions.
What Makes a Great Wills and Trust Attorney?
Your will is the most powerful instrument for ensuring your wishes are carried out exactly as you want and that your loved ones are protected. A truly smart wills and trust attorney combines technical expertise, clear communication, and genuine care, which enables them to craft customized estate plans for their clients that protect assets, honor personal goals, and provide lasting peace of mind to families.
Choosing the right estate planning attorney is not all about legal qualifications. It involves building a long-term relationship with someone who understands your values, needs, family, and financial picture and advocates for your intentions.
Finding the Right Wills and Trust Attorney for Your Estate Planning Needs – Top Tips
With so many legal professionals, knowing who is right for your situation can be tough. Here are some qualities that set great estate planners apart and help you pick the right one:
Specialization in estate planning
Search for an attorney who primarily focuses on estate planning, wills, and trusts. Estate law is complex, constantly evolving, and only an attorney who stays current on tax laws, probate rules, and trust administration can craft a plan that fully protects your interests and aligns with your objectives.
Strong legal knowledge and experience
The right wills and trust attorney has a deep understanding of complex areas such as tax implications, property laws, inheritance rules, and trust structures. With their strong legal knowledge and experience, they provide comprehensive, reliable guidance which works best for you.
Probate knowledge
When choosing an attorney to draft your will, check if they also practice probate law. It is because getting wills interpreted and administered by the court can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if there are disputes or unclear instructions. Equipped with probate experience, an attorney can draft your will in a way that minimizes complications, reduces delays, and ensures everything goes exactly as you wish.
Excellent communication skills
Excellent listening and explaining skills are a must when it comes to a wills and trusts attorney. Estate planning involves personal details and, at times, sensitive discussions about family, finances, and future wishes. Your attorney should listen to you carefully to ascertain your goals and explain legal concepts in simple, clear language you can understand to make the right decisions.
Fair pricing and fee structure
Legal fees can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the estate plan and the attorney’s level of experience and expertise. Some attorneys charge flat fees while others bill on an hourly basis. The attorney you choose should be willing to take time to discuss their fee and payment structure in detail so you understand how much you will be paying, what services are covered, and if there will be any additional costs.
Remember, it is not just about finding the lowest price. It is about receiving high-quality, customized planning that truly protects your estate and family’s future.
Personalized and strategic planning
Your estate plan should reflect your unique goals, economic conditions, real estate values, tax implications, and long-term objectives. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the right wills and trust attorney takes time to understand your circumstances, assets, family structure, and the evolving tax laws. This enables them to formulate personalized, strategic plans that fit seamlessly in your life, both now and in the future.
Continuous guidance for you
If there are significant changes in your life, your estate plan will also evolve. A good attorney should be ready to provide ongoing guidance by reviewing and updating your documents as needed. Whether it is changes in your family, finances, or relevant laws, continuous support ensures that your estate plan remains effective and aligned with your intentions.
Reputation, trustworthiness, and track record
Investigating their reputation, trustworthiness, and track record is a crucial part of selecting an attorney. Start by asking for referrals from trusted friends, family, or other professionals, such as your accountant or financial planner. Before meeting them in person, check the attorney’s website to learn more about their practice, area of expertise, and professional credentials and memberships. Read online reviews to understand other clients’ experiences and to see if there are any complaints about them.
Aligning your beneficiaries with your estate plan
Ask the attorney if they will guide you on how to ensure your beneficiaries of life insurance, retirement, and financial accounts are set up. Beneficiary designations override a will, and you want to confirm that everything is distributed according to your wishes. Your attorney can advise you about alternatives and how to do things the right way.
Proper execution of the will
The last step of setting up a will and trust is signing the documents correctly. Before choosing an attorney, ask them if they will guide you in the process of getting the documents signed. This step is crucial. If the documents are not signed properly or in the physical presence of two witnesses, they may be considered invalid and will not hold up in court. Your attorney must verify that all witnesses, signatures, and notarizations comply with the law so that your will and trust are legally binding and fully enforceable.
Keeping all the qualities of a good attorney in mind and evaluating them on their specialization and experience can help you pick a professional in Queens who can handle your estate planning needs with skill, precision, and confidence. With their expertise and insight, they can anticipate complex issues, provide strategic guidance, and craft comprehensive plans that stand the test of time.
Creating a will is one of the most crucial steps you can take to save your loved ones’ time, stress, and confusion after you are gone. Call Albert Maimone & Associates in Queens, New York today and schedule an appointment with our best wills and trust attorneys. Our dedicated attorneys help you take care of the people and things you value in your life. They anticipate legal challenges, provide up-to-date advice tailored to your specific situation, and develop an approach that is both thorough and effective, to works just as you want.