How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney in 2025
(And Be a Savvy Client) Part I
How to find an Estate Planning attorney? We hear from prospective clients that it can seem overwhelming. We’re here to share some tips to help you navigate the process. Mistakes are completely avoidable with the right attorney and a little know-how. After seeing clients fall into avoidable traps (and others glide through the process smoothly), here’s what we can share about keeping your legal costs in check while getting solid results.
1. Hire Smart: Pick the Right Attorney from the Start
One of the costliest missteps is choosing the wrong lawyer or worse, a document preparer. Not all attorneys are created equal—especially when it comes to estate planning or business law. Choose an attorney that doesn’t dabble but truly practices in this area of law. Your cousin’s divorce lawyer might be great at custody hearings, but that doesn’t mean they’re the one to draft your will. We take great time and consideration to tailor each plan to fit every individual and family specifically for their needs.
- Ask trusted professionals or friends for referrals.
- Look for someone who specializes in the area you need help with.
- Read reviews and don’t be shy about asking questions in a consultation.
- Consider price, but don’t let it be the main driver. Cheap is usually not good in the legal world.
- AI is only as good as the free information it can process on the internet, which in the legal drafting world is nothing good.
Hiring the right person at the beginning can save you thousands by avoiding unnecessary revisions, confusion, or missed opportunities
- Talk Money Up Front: Fees, Expenses & Billing
Legal costs vary—a lot. Whether your attorney charges by the hour or offers flat-fee packages, don’t leave billing conversations for later.
Here’s what you should clarify:
- Will you be billed hourly or by project?
- What are the potential extra costs?
- How do they track their time and bill you?
Ask for a written Fee Agreement—think of it as your financial roadmap. Read it carefully, ask for clarification if anything seems vague, and treat your signature like a firm handshake: this is a partnership, after all.
3. Time is Money: Be Organized
If you’re walking into a meeting without documents, context, or a plan, you’re burning billable hours. The more prepared you are, the more efficiently your attorney can do their job.
Before your meeting:
- Gather all relevant documents, including asset statements.
- Review any previous emails or updates.
- Make a checklist of questions.
- Bring in any prior documents you have
Your preparation equals less time your lawyer spends sorting things out = more money in your pocket.
4. Communicate Clearly (and Strategically)
Communication is critical—but overdoing it can tank your budget, especially if the attorney is billing you hourly Every email, call, or meeting adds up, especially if it covers ground you’ve already discussed. Estate Planning and some business work can be done on an agreed upon fee.
Some tips:
- Ask how your attorney prefers to communicate: email, phone, secure portal?
- Stick to that method unless otherwise directed.
- Be brief, clear, and specific when reaching out.
Avoid misunderstandings by confirming next steps or clarifying timelines in writing. And remember concise and complete beats long and scattered every time.
5. Batch Your Questions & Limit the Back-and-Forth
One of the best tips I’ve seen smart clients use? Batching questions. We try to communicate summarizing a lot of information in an email or meeting at our firm, so that the client has less points of reference, can find information easily and can consider points together.
Instead of sending five separate emails throughout the week, keep a running list and send one well-organized message. Your attorney can answer everything at once, saving time and money. It also helps reduce the risk of missed details or confusion.
6. Review Your Bills—Yes, Every Time
Billing errors happen. Always take a few minutes to go through your legal invoice when it comes in. If you see something unclear or unexpected, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Most attorneys are happy to explain—but only if you ask. Some attorneys don’t review their bills, so it is important that you do.
Final Thoughts on How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is NOT an area to cut corners—but that doesn’t mean you can’t be cost-conscious and strategic. When you approach legal services like a smart client—organized, clear, and engaged—you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also get better results.
Want to be the client every attorney loves working with? Follow these tips and you’re well on your way. We will continue our article on how to find an estate planning attorney next week. Until then if we can assist you anyway, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office, (480)525-6244 or email info@bizestatelaw.com
