Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience and when you add in settling the estate, the months following a death can be much more than you bargained for. That's when it might be advantageous to hire an attorney to settle the estate.
We have some suggestions to help you find the best attorney to provide the kind of legal services you need:
At this point, you should have a list of four or five recommended local attorneys. Now it's time to make that first call. You should first ask to set up a face-to-face meeting but be aware that many attorneys charge for this introductory session. That's why your first question should be:
If you agree to a face-to-face meeting, it's important to ask the following questions
but be observant too. Look around: is the office organized? Is he or she listening closely to what you have to say? What is your gut feeling to what you're seeing and hearing? Trust your intuition; if you don't feel you are a good match, then move on to the next attorney on your list.
The questions to ask in your initial interview are:
When you're satisfied you've found the right attorney at the right price, always ask for a written agreement (often referred to as an "engagement letter") and read it thoroughly. If you have questions about what you've read, ask them before you sign.
Sources:
Liz Davidson, "How to Find a Good Lawyer When You Really Need One"
Consumer Reports, "When You Need to Lawyer Up"
Henry, Alan, "How to Find a Reputable Lawyer"