It's often said that a solid relationship is built on trust. This couldn’t be more accurate when seeking an estate planning firm to help you with your family’s planning needs.
William Shakespeare’s line from Henry VI, “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers,” isn’t an indictment against lawyers, but a testament to their pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law. And we found several useful suggestions from enlightening article in Forbes magazine called “10 Tips to Think About When Hiring a Lawyer,” some of which relate to the importance of relationships in choosing the right attorney.
Why Relationships Matter:
1. Trust and Recommendations: As Forbes suggests, beginning your search with recommendations from friends, neighbors, and colleagues is vital. This stems from the relationships we nurture. A trusted friend's recommendation is worth more than an impersonal online review.
2. Understanding Your Needs: An attorney with deep roots in estate planning will inherently understand the nuances of your concerns. They’ll possess the specialized 'tools' required to navigate the complexities of estate planning.
3. Transparency and Communication: It’s important to ask how the attorney will keep you informed. An attorney who values relationship-building will always prioritize keeping their client in the loop.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
1. Lack of Specialization: Just as you wouldn't use a hammer to screw in a bolt, not every lawyer is equipped to handle the specifics of estate planning. A potential red flag is an attorney who might seem like a jack of all trades but lacks depth in estate planning.
2. Inadequate Engagement: An engagement letter should not just be a transactional document. It should encapsulate the mutual respect and understanding of the relationship.
3. Disconnect in the Relationship: If, during the relationship, an attorney fails to provide regular updates or copies of relevant documents, it might indicate a lack of commitment to fostering trust.
In conclusion, we believe that the foundation of a successful attorney-client relationship, especially in estate planning, is trust. At Stouffer Legal our focus has always been on building relationships with our clients, putting their needs first, and ensuring they always have the right tools in their estate planning toolbelt.
Navigating the labyrinth of estate planning can be daunting. So, why not embark on that journey with a partner who values the journey as much as the destination?
Choose a relationship-driven firm. To get started please visit https://www.stoufferlegal.com/steps-to-estate-planning-in...
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