How do you ensure you are using a qualified estate planning attorney and receiving an estate plan that contains your wishes and is up-to-date? Here are a few ways you can make sure your estate planning is worth your money.
1. Work with an attorney who is qualified and licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado.
Check online (Colorado Supreme Court) to ensure the attorney is licensed to practice, an active member, and in good standing. Make sure the attorney follows a strict code of ethics. At Ambler Keenan Mitchell Johnson, all the attorneys are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, which requires each member to complete more than twice the hours of continuing education than that required by the State of Colorado.
2. Do your research.
Know your assets and your wishes. If you are uncertain about any aspect of your estate planning, speak with your qualified attorney. They can answer questions you may have, refer you to reputable advisors and other professionals, and guide you through the process.
3. Make sure it isn’t too good to be true.
Does it sound like an unheard of deal? Is the cost free or much lower than the average cost? Don’t buy in! Unqualified or bargain pricing could result in an ineffective document, your wishes not being followed, conflict in the family, or possibly even higher taxation of your estate.
At Ambler Keenan Mitchell Johnson, our attorneys all believe in making sure our clients understand what they are signing, their documents are complete, thorough, cover the client’s wishes, and up-to-date with current laws.
Call 303-407-1542 for a free, one-hour initial estate planning consultation with a qualified estate planning attorney at Ambler Keenan Mitchell Johnson.