You have likely not given much thought to how good your relationship is with your estate planning attorney—after all, it is just a professional relationship right? While this is certainly true, and there is no need for your estate planning attorney to be among your circle of closest friends, you should take a moment to consider your relationship given the importance of the subject matter that forms the basis of the association.
Of course you should choose an estate planning attorney who has the experience and skills necessary to assist you in creating a successful estate plan; however, there are factors other than experience and skill that you should also take into account when picking an estate planning attorney. Ask yourself how comfortable you are with your attorney? Does he or she seem to understand you and your family or business relationships? Do you trust your attorney? Given the highly personal and sensitive nature of estate planning, these questions are just as important as your attorney’s education, experience or skill level.
Creating a comprehensive estate plan requires you to divulge information that you may not have shared with your best friend or spouse. Failing to be 100 percent forthcoming with your attorney can sabotage your estate planning efforts. For this reason, it is imperative that you feel completely comfortable with your attorney. Of course all information shared with an attorney is confidential, it helps immensely if you feel secure and at ease sharing that information.
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