Your relationship with an estate planning attorney will be unique compared with other legal professionals because estate planning is inherently personal. You must trust this person to help guide you in making important decisions and to help take care of your loved ones after you pass.

Deciding upon an estate planning attorney may be one of the more significant choices you will make in your life as the contents of your documents could have long-ranging consequences for your beneficiaries. For big decisions such as these, it is important to ask the right questions.

 
1. “What is Your Level of Experience?”

In a typical professional setting, asking for someone’s credentials is considered rude. However, when choosing an attorney for any reason, it is critical to uncover whether or not they are qualified for the job at hand. And these qualifications extend further than just a framed degree from a legitimate law school. Ideally, you should choose an estate planning attorney who not only holds a solid reputation for the work they do but also has significant experience working with a steady stream of clients and their families... Read more.


2. “Do You Customize Your Services?”

In the legal industry, there are some online services and attorneys who specialize in providing affordable legal templates. This is especially true when it comes to estate planning. However, we cannot understate how important it is to work with an estate planning attorney who customizes their services to your specific needs and desires. Estate planning is personal and requires special attention to detail... Read more.


3. “Can I Trust You to be My Representative Should Something Happen to Me?”

Estate planning should factor in all of life’s inevitabilities. You must consider whether your plans will be fulfilled if you are somehow no longer able to represent yourself. Should you fall ill and become incapacitated, do you have faith that your planning attorney could speak with authority on your behalf on matters related to your estate?... Read more.


4. “Do You Have a Contingency Plan for Yourself?”

Estate planning attorneys offer you and your family a service that will extend beyond your life. You want to ensure you are making a healthy, longtime investment in this relationship. Ask your prospective attorney exactly what would happen to your estate plan if they were rendered unable to fulfill their duties... Read more.
 

At Sessa & Dorsey, we provide a holistic perspective on estates and trusts. We believe our clients should be well-versed in all aspects of financial wellness, to complement the benefits of a customized and up-to-date estate plan that meets their specific needs and desires.

A financial advisor can be an invaluable asset to your family’s future. The right advisor can help you make key decisions and investments to increase the value of your portfolio. They can also help you make day-to-day financial decisions that are in your and your family’s best interests. A financial advisor can also be of invaluable service when transferring financial assets after death.

Whether you are looking for someone to help you spend more wisely on a day-to-day basis, financial comfort in retirement, or to assist in building wealth for future generations, financial advisors can offer expert services for whatever your goals may be. Choosing an advisor who will work for you and your family’s needs does not have to be daunting, as long as you have a good idea as to what you are looking to achieve.


Understand Your Goals 

Certain financial advisors excel in specific services, such as retirement planning, planning for children with special needs, and portfolio management, among others. For many people, a well-rounded financial advisor, who can assist with today’s concerns and tomorrow’s uncertainties is the perfect choice. Understanding what you want will save you time and the hassle of sifting through a multitude of options... Read more.


Always Check for Certifications and Credentials   

Trusting someone with your financial information and assisting with your long-term financial security can be a bit frightening. Remember to properly vet an advisor or a firm before deciding to conduct business with them. You will want to review a potential advisor’s professional industry certifications as well as the certifications of their firm. There are many professional certifications and designations. You should understand... Read more.


Speak with Your Estate Planning Attorney 

Estate planning and financial advising go hand-in-hand. If you have a trusted estate planning attorney, they can help assist you in the process of searching and hiring a financial advisor that meets your needs and desires... Read more.