7 Tips for Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer in Michigan

August 23, 2022 by Zill Metrics

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In 2020, more than 630,000 couples in the United States got divorced. Divorce can be incredibly complicated, and you want to make sure you have a solid lawyer on your side throughout the process. But how do you go about finding a good family lawyer in Michigan?

There are a few steps you’ll want to take when you begin the search for a Michigan family lawyer. Read on to discover what you should look for and how you can narrow down your shortlist to find the perfect attorney for you.

1. Ask for Referrals

When you get ready to hire a family lawyer, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to ask for referrals. It can be hard to tell based on websites and online listings which attorneys will be a good fit for you. A great way to start making a shortlist is to talk to get recommendations from your friends and family.

Reach out to your loved ones who have recently gotten a divorce and ask them which family lawyer they worked with. Ask how their experience was with this lawyer and if they would work with them again. It can also be helpful to read online reviews, although it’s important to keep in mind that disgruntled clients are more likely to take the time to leave a review than satisfied ones.

2. Look for Experience

Once you have a shortlist narrowed down, it’s time to start taking a look at experience. You want to make sure your family lawyer knows what they’re doing and will get you the best results possible. Ideally, you want to work with someone who has at least ten years of experience, not a newbie to the field.

You’ll also want to check if your potential family lawyers have trial experience. Although it’s not anyone’s ideal scenario, sometimes divorces do wind up getting settled in court. If your situation winds up going to trial, you want to make sure your lawyer has the experience needed to represent you well.

3. Find a Specialist

When you start looking at different family lawyers, you’re going to see some “general practitioners.” These lawyers practice in all areas of law, and family law may well be on that list. But it’s worth making sure that this firm has dedicated family law attorneys who specialize in that area of the law.

It’s best to opt for a lawyer who specializes in family law in Michigan, rather than covering a number of areas of practice. This attorney will be intimately familiar with the latest developments in Michigan family law, including new precedents that may impact your case. You want that level of expertise on your side when it comes to negotiating the terms of your divorce.

4. Pick Someone You Trust

One of the most important factors in picking a family lawyer is actually one that’s hard to quantify. You need to trust your lawyer and be able to develop a good rapport with them. You can hire the best attorney in the state, but if you don’t trust that they’re working for your best interests, all their experience won’t matter.

As you’re doing interviews with your potential lawyers, pay attention to how you feel around them. Do they make you feel relaxed and reassured, like they’re someone you could trust? This may not be the number-one most important factor, but if you wind up trying to choose between two close options, it can tip the scales.

5. Talk Money

Once you’ve found the lawyer you want to work with, it will be time to start getting down to the brass tacks. Sit down with your lawyer and ask them how much they’ll charge and what sort of structure they’ll use. Many lawyers charge by the hour, but some lawyers may offer a divorce “package” that sets a flat fee.

It’s also a good idea to check on what’s covered in your lawyer’s charges. Will they charge you their hourly rate for responding to emails and phone calls? Do they charge extra for postage and mileage, and if they offer a package fee, does that include research time or will that be billed separately?

6. Discuss Details

In addition to sorting out the money with your lawyer, it’s a good idea to discuss some of the details of how your case will get handled. For instance, some of the larger national law firms will assign your case to a team of lawyers, rather than one dedicated person. You may have multiple points of contact, depending on how complex your case is.

Figure out who your point (or points) of contact will be and how often you can expect to hear from them. Ask how you can get in touch with them, including whether they prefer phone calls or emails. And check on how they’ll manage unexpected problems when they inevitably show up in the case.

Find the Right Family Lawyer for You

Divorce can be a challenging process, and you want to make sure you have a strong family lawyer at your side as you navigate it. Start by asking family and friends for referrals, and then check the experience of your shortlist. Opt for a family law specialist if possible, and choose someone you trust to handle your case well.

If you’d like to find the right family lawyer for you, check out the rest of our site at Genesis Legal Group of Michigan. We are courageous in our actions, confident in our abilities, and compassionate with our clients. Book a consultation with us today and discover superior service and attention to detail.

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Did you know that as of 2021, only 32.9% of adults had a legal will? Estate planning is the best way to protect your wealth and the ones you love.

Many people put off estate planning because they don’t want to think about death or they aren’t sure about the legal process. A good way to begin is by consulting an estate planning lawyer who can explain the process and guide you every step of the way.

If you’re considering estate planning, we can help! Here’s how to find the best estate planning attorneys to begin the process.

1. Find a Local Attorney

If you live in a small town or rural area, you have limited options for finding estate planning lawyers may. You may have to look for someone in a nearby city or other location.

If you live in a bigger city, you may have many options for a Michigan estate planning lawyer. Hiring a lawyer close to your home or work is convenient.

It’s easier to plan in-person meetings and there’s no need to disrupt your entire day or your family’s schedule to meet with your attorney. As you begin your search, make a list of options for estate planning lawyers.

Do some research on each one and consider location as one factor as you narrow your choices.

2. Compare Attorney Prices

Once you narrow your choices, you should research attorney costs. They can vary.

Compensation and fees for Lawyers differ. Never choose an attorney based solely on cost.

The cheapest attorney in town may be the worst attorney in town. And the most expensive may not be the best either. Make sure the attorney you choose has a solid reputation for excellent work and fair pricing.

Ask whether they charge by the hour or if there’s a flat fee. It is important to be aware of what your attorney charges so you don’t find yourself facing unforeseen charges down the road.

3. Ask Friends and Family

When you need an estate planning attorney, it’s a good idea to ask for a recommendation. It’s likely that one of your friends, family members, or co-workers has worked with an estate planning lawyer at some point.

You may feel better knowing someone you trust has given their seal of approval. Protecting your finances and your family is so important.

Take the time to ask for references to help you find the right estate planning lawyer for the job.

4. Schedule a Consultation

It’s always a good idea to schedule a consultation with a lawyer before making a final decision. You want to get to know them and learn more about the estate planning process and what you can expect.

They should be happy to explain the entire process and how long it will take. Prepare any questions you have before the consultation and share them with the lawyer.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

Where did you attend law school?

How long have you practiced law?

How often do you handle estate planning for your clients?

How will we communicate?

How can I reach you?

Who will contact me and how often?

Are you the attorney who will handle my estate planning?

What are your rates or fees?

How will I be billed for your services?

Are there any other charges I can expect?

What types of certifications do you have?

This is a good way to learn more about an attorney, assess their qualifications, and establish a friendly rapport. If the attorney doesn’t communicate with you or answer your questions, they are probably not the right one for you.

5. Discuss the Complexities of Your Assets

Some wills are simple to create if the client has minimal assets and few beneficiaries.

Others are complex with a variety of assets, trusts, debts, and other complications. This requires an experienced attorney.

A complicated will requires more time, resources, and experience. When the future of your wealth and your family is at stake, you want a qualified Michigan estate planning lawyer by your side.

6. Don’t Fall for Fancy Slogans

Beware of law firms with slogans like “feel safe with us” or “we’ll care for you.” These sayings are meaningless without a proven track record of legal experience.

There’s nothing wrong with a slogan, but you want to focus on the services the attorney provides and if those services can benefit you. Any lawyer can say they specialize in estate planning, but that’s not always the case.

Make sure you’re choosing an experienced estate planning lawyer who has years of experience helping clients like you.

7. Inquire About Malpractice Insurance

Anyone can make a mistake in business, including an experienced estate planning attorney. Make sure any lawyer you hire has malpractice insurance.

Reputable lawyers carry malpractice insurance to protect themselves and their clients. It’s not a legal obligation for all lawyers, so be sure to inquire whether they carry this type of insurance coverage.

Find the Best Estate Planning Lawyer

Although hiring an estate planning lawyer may not be at the top of your list, it’s one of the most important things you’ll ever do for the ones you love.

Leaving your assets to chance is never a good option. Make sure to have your beneficiaries protected and your wealth distributed according to your wishes.

If you’re considering estate planning, we’d love to help you. Our experienced Michigan estate planning lawyers can help you with every aspect of estate planning.

Contact Genesis Legal Group of Michigan today for a consultation.

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