Answer: Look for the “3 Cs” (capability, cost and compatibility) –
- Capability — Does the attorney have the training, skills and experience to handle the work? Look for an estate planning or elder law attorney who spends 80% or more of his or her time working on estate planning and related matters. Stay away from the “general practice” attorney (in my view it’s impossible to keep up with multiple areas of the law and do it well). Ask for references to families where the client helped has since died. If the attorney did a good job, things should have run smoothly.
- Cost – Are the attorney’s charges clear, understood and acceptable to you? It’s O.K. to shop around. Look for a fixed charge, or a maximum — avoiding hourly fees whenever you can. Be sure to have a written contract for services that spells out your deal with the attorney.
- Compatibility — Choose one you connect and feel comfortable with, and who listens to you. You need to be able to share private information. There are many attorneys, with different personal styles — with some you’ll be comfortable, with others you won’t.
Actually, the “3 Cs” work when dealing with all types of advisors (estate planning or otherwise).