Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney

Use a focused set of questions to compare experience, process, fees, communication, implementation, and ongoing plan review.

Practice focus

Ask what portion of the attorney's work involves estate planning, probate, trust administration, elder law, business succession, and related matters that may affect your plan.

Planning process

Ask what information is needed, how many meetings are typical, who prepares the documents, and how the attorney explains tradeoffs before final decisions are made.

Fees and scope

Request a written explanation of the fee arrangement, included documents, implementation work, additional charges, and the circumstances that may require a revised quote.

Future reviews

Ask how often the plan should be reviewed and what events should trigger an update, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, relocation, business changes, or significant changes in property.