Estate planning or execution is an important legal area of life, in which most people require professional guidance. If you've had no experience in this legal area though, you might feel a little lost and overwhelmed by this responsibility. Finding a quality estate lawyer will make all the difference. According to IBISWorld, there are over 199,700 estate lawyers in the U.S. You want to make sure you're finding the right one for your particular needs. Here are a few tips on how to find the professional you need.

Don't Confine Yourself to Only Local Professionals

Although there is certainly some appeal to only dealing with local professionals, it's best to expand your search by just a bit to ensure you're getting an idea of who is available. You might be in an area that doesn't have many quality lawyers available. Instead of going with someone nearby who is low quality, it's better to hire someone who might be a little farther away but can provide you with high-quality legal services.

Ask Other Lawyers

If you already have a relationship with a legal professional, this will be your best resource for finding an estate attorney. Lawyers within an area have extensive networks with each other that span different areas of law.

Don't Rely on Just Internet Directories

Although an internet directory might be a good starting point to just get an idea of who's available, it shouldn't be the only step you take to find an estate attorney. These directories aren't updated or checked for accuracy well enough. The law firms being listed are also not checked for legitimacy either. It's better to talk with people you know and trust and get recommendations from them.

Ask About the Lawyer's Credentials

Don't be shy to ask the lawyer about their credentials. You'll want to know what law school they graduated from and you'll want to research that they are currently licensed to practice law in your area. You'll also want to ask about how much experience they've had in estate law as well.

These are just a few tips on how to find a good estate attorney. If you're looking for trustworthy legal assistance, please contact us today at Flanagan Law, LLC. We are here to help you with your legal needs.