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"