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Do
I need a Last Will and Testament?
What
is Estate Planning?
What are
Living Trusts?
What
is a Power of Attorney?
What
are Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorneys?
Guardians and Conservators
What
is Long Term Care Insurance?
The
Role of the Elder Law Attorney
Helpful
Publications |
How
to Find an Attorney
We
offer a comprehensive directory of attorneys in your geographic area.
It is important to select an attorney with an expertise in the particular
area of law that you need advise in. There
is a new specialty of law that is now being practiced.
That specialty is elder law, and the practitioners of this specialty
should be familiar with many of the issues that you may have.
. Elder law attorneys are attuned to many of the special needs of elderly
clients and their families. Be certain to that the attorney you choose has such
experience and training. Also friends and relatives are a good source for
recommending attorneys who have successfully helped them in the past, but keep
in mind the purpose for which you are seeking legal consul.
Just because an attorney has successfully handled one type of
transaction, you may require an expert in another area of the law.
Your
attorneys will ask you for a great deal of information and will request original
documents such as deeds, account statements and insurance policies. It is in
your best interest to honestly disclose all of your assets to your attorney so
that you can receive the best advise on asset management.
Know also that all of the information provided to an attorney is
confidential and may not be disclosed to others without your permission. If you
are selecting a new attorney, be sure to ask questions about the cost of their
legal services, including all support services.
Many attorneys charge on an hourly basis, while others may have a set fee
for certain procedures. If your
attorney charges a set rate, be certain you know exactly what is included in the
charge, and be aware of phrases like usual and customary services, know what to
expect when the bill arrives. Also
some attorneys will charge a percentage of the probate estate for estate
planning. It is a good idea to
obtain a written fee agreement, covering all services to be rendered, thus
avoiding any misunderstandings regarding the bill.
Selecting
legal counsel should be no different than any other consumer transaction and,
accordingly, the interested party should interview several attorneys to
determine whether the attorney has sufficient expertise in the area and the type
of legal practice that will allow for a smooth and cost effective process.
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