How to Approach Hiring a Texas Wills and Trusts Attorney

We all try to plan for the future. We have mortgages, rainy-day funds, and insurance policies. But what will happen when we are no longer here? Estate planning is a necessary step to take if you would like to leave a legacy to your future generations. Contact a wills and trusts lawyer to write a will, set up a trust fund, or even establish your preferences for end-of-life treatment. Follow these guidelines to get started hiring a Texas wills and trusts attorney today.

Research Using Multiple Sources

The first step to hiring a competent lawyer is to create a substantial list of names of wills and trusts lawyers practicing in areas near you. Rely on these organizations to get the names of attorneys in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas, and El Paso:

• The Texas Bar Association

• The American Bar Association

• The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

• The #1 Web directory www.AllLaw.com

Narrow your List Down

After you have compiled a long list of attorney names, begin to weed your list by using investigative strategies and research. Try these tried-and-true techniques for selecting 3 top wills and trusts lawyers:

• Ask friends and family for their input on your candidates' reputations

• Consult with the Texas Bar Association to find out if your candidate has been disbarred

• Browse each candidate's website for more information

• Read publications written by your candidates to get a feel for their legal philosophy

• Request information from each candidate's practice or firm 

Meet with your Candidates

Before you settle on a Texas wills and trusts attorney, arrange meetings with your top 3 candidates. Think of this as a job interview: request references, ask pointed questions, and assess your candidate's character. Hire the lawyer who demonstrates that he or she can go the distance for you and handle your estate planning successfully