How to Choose the Right Estate Settlement Attorney For You

In these days of internet wills and expedited self-serve legal documents, many people never have to retain an attorney to handle their will or estate matters while they are still living. However, when a loved one passes away, the estate cannot be settled via internet: it must be performed by real people. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney to help handle your loved one's affairs and to protect your own interests. Here are some tips for helping you to choose one.

Choose an experienced specialist

IN RI

Many law offices offer a wide range of different law services: from divorce to criminal defense or from tax to personal injury. Beware of lawyers who have too many fields of practice: chances are they will not have extensive experience in the specific one you need. Choose an attorney who has been practicing for many years and specializes exclusively in probate and estate law: he will be more experienced and will know all the ins and outs of the system as well as the legal code pertaining to estate matters.

Choose one that charges reasonable fees

There should never be an initial consultation fee, so beware of a lawyer who charges you before you've even hired him! Most estate lawyers will ask for a retainer fee up front of about 1500 dollars, then that money is used for payment until it is expended. You shouldn't have to pay outrageous fees for estate law matters: look for an attorney who charges 200 to 300 dollars per hour.

Choose a lawyer whom you like

The probate and estate processes can take up to six months to over a year to complete, so you and your estate law attorney will be spending a lot of time together. Make sure you select a person who is not only experienced and highly competent, but whom you can trust and get along with.

How to Choose the Right Estate Settlement Attorney For You

O'Neill Estate Law ([http://www.oneillestatesettlement.com/]) offer a free consultation regarding estate law in RI [http://www.oneillestatesettlement.com/] and its impact upon the settlement of your loved one's estate, either in person or by teleconference, with no obligation, as to the settlement of your loved one's affairs under RI Estate Law.

IN RI