Why Your Relationship with Your Estate Planning Attorney is Important
When people think about estate planning, they are usually focused on the documents they need, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. While most of these are essential, they are only part of the entire “estate planning equation.”
At the heart of a successful estate plan lies something arguably more crucial—your relationship with your estate planning attorney. This partnership is one of the most important relationships you can have during your lifetime.
- Choosing the Right Attorney for You
When selecting an estate planning attorney, look for someone who embodies these attributes:
- A deep understanding of your unique circumstances and goals.
- The ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts in an approachable way.
- A commitment to building a long-term partnership that evolves with your needs.
- Expertise in anticipating and addressing potential challenges.
- A trustworthy, communicative, and empathetic approach.
- Understanding You and Your Family
No two people – or families-- are the same. Your family dynamics, financial situation, fears about the future, and personal values shape your estate plan. When you trust and have a strong relationship with your attorney, you feel comfortable explaining potential difficulties and the unique needs of your surviving loved ones. Your attorney should ensure they understand these nuances and tailor your plan accordingly. Whether it’s addressing sensitive family matters, safeguarding assets, or leaving a legacy, your attorney’s role is to listen and understand without judgment. Your attorney needs to be able to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the matter, so they can better guide you toward achieving your goals. Too often, attorneys forget to address specific issues or ask the right questions.
- A Lifelong Partnership
Estate planning is not a one-and-done process. As your life evolves, your attorney should be one of the first to know what this new era entails for your individualized and broader life plans. Whether you just got married (or divorced), children or grandchildren were born, your business(es) grew (or didn’t), or a loved one passed away, your attorney will help you to celebrate and prepare for new beginnings or get you through some of the hardest times in your life. Your attorney becomes a trusted partner and confidant who can help you navigate as circumstances shift.
A successful attorney-client relationship is built on trust. Open and frequent communication ensures that you feel comfortable discussing personal details and asking questions. Knowing that your attorney has your best interests at heart provides peace of mind—not just for you, but for your family as well.
- Clarity in Complexity
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, with legal jargon and complex concepts often clouding the process. Having an attorney who can simplify the details and present them in clear, straightforward terms is invaluable. This approach not only ensures that you fully understand your options but also empowers you to make the best-informed decisions for yourself and your family. Having an estate planning attorney who cares, gets to know you, makes sure you understand your options, and fully explains possible outcomes is vital to establishing a plan that can accomplish your goals and needs.
- Guiding Your Loved Ones in Difficult Times
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. Your estate planning attorney should take the burden off your survivors during these challenging times, helping them navigate complex legal processes with care, giving them time to grieve and focus on what matters most. Having an attorney who knows your intentions and knows about your family dynamics can help prevent disputes when emotions are high.
Your estate plan is too important to leave to chance. By prioritizing these qualities, you can ensure that your attorney is not just a service provider, but a lifelong trusted advisor who will help you make the best decisions for your peace of mind and your family’s future. Whether you are looking to start or update your life planning, please do not hesitate to reach out to e at tbriggs@norris-law.com.
About the Author- Trusts, Estates, and Tax
Taylor R. D. Briggs is an attorney who offers a comprehensive suite of estate planning and estate administration services. She drafts detailed estate plans—including wills, trusts, business succession plans, and powers of attorney—and advises clients on avoiding common pitfalls while preparing their loved ones for fiduciary roles. Taylor also assists with all aspects of estate and trust administration, such as preparing complex Pennsylvania inheritance tax returns, court accountings, and fiduciary releases, while advocating for beneficiaries' rights in disputes and litigation. Additionally, she manages tax controversy matters by collaborating with accountants to resolve non-filer cases, penalty abatements, hobby loss rules, and fraud.