CHOOSING A PROBATE ATTORNEY
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
EXPERIENCE: Determine how many probate cases the attorney has completed.
You want to make sure that the attorney is experienced in solving your problem. You do not want to pay the attorney to learn how to do a probate or trust administration at your expense.
Ask how many hours of classes in continuing legal education the attorney has attended in the last three years. The Institute for Continuing Legal Education offers a certificate program in probate and estate planning requiring 10 seminars. Has the attorney earned the certificate of completion for the entire seminar series?
SAFETY: Confirm liability insurance of at least $1 Million.
An attorney who has had too many claims will not be able to afford insurance and may be uncollectible in the event of a mistake. Remember, all attorneys will make mistakes.
QUALITY: Ask about the attorney quality rating system.
Attorneys can participate in a service which rates legal ability and ethics. Scores are determined by judges and other lawyers who have seen your lawyer in action. There are four levels of ratings.
CLARITY: Get a written fee agreement.
A written fee agreement is advisable for anything but the simplest matter. Any case which might involve going to court is not simple. A signed written fee agreement is required when an attorney represents a personal representative.
YOU MAY HAVE A FREE ANALSIS OF YOUR PROBATE MATTER.
PLEASE CALL 248-886-8622 TO FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR CONCERNS
