7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Estate Attorney

(Before we begin, can we agree that none of this is direct financial advice, and that past results don’t guarantee anything in the future? Thanks. Ok, back to the blog…)

For many financially well-off families, estate planning doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You may not have multiple businesses, international holdings, or dozens of heirs to account for. But you do want peace of mind — knowing that your plan accounts for your spouse, children, and legacy being cared for if something unexpected happens.

That’s where the right estate attorney comes in. Not all attorneys are the same, and choosing the right one requires more than checking credentials. You want someone who understands your situation, listens well, and offers guidance that fits your family’s goals.

Here are seven smart questions to ask when interviewing a potential estate attorney:

1. What kind of clients do you typically work with, and how similar are they to my situation?

Every family has a different financial picture. Some attorneys specialize in ultra-high-net-worth families with complex trusts, while others focus on more straightforward estates. You’ll feel more confident with an attorney who regularly works with clients in situations like yours.

2. Given the context of our family situation, would you recommend a will or a trust? Why?

A will is simpler and less expensive upfront, but a trust can help avoid probate and provide more privacy. The right choice depends on your assets, family structure, and long-term goals. A good attorney should clearly explain the trade-offs.

3. How often should I review this after we set it up? What is your process for this review?

An estate plan isn’t a 'set it and forget it' document. Laws change, assets change, and families change. Ask how often the attorney recommends updates and whether they have a system to proactively review your plan every few years.

4. What are the fees associated with setting up a will or a trust? What are the fees for amending these documents down the road?

Transparency around cost matters. Some attorneys charge flat fees, others bill hourly. Don’t just ask about the setup cost — ask what it will cost to make updates later, because your plan will almost certainly need them.

5. Do you charge me anything to confirm details about my documents with outside professionals like accountants or financial advisors? Do you charge me to send my legal documents to these outside professionals?

Your estate plan doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It ties closely to your financial plan and your taxes. Make sure your attorney collaborates with other members of your financial team seamlessly — and that you won’t be nickeled and dimed for basic coordination.

6. Why do your best clients like working with you? Would any of them mind if I asked them about their experience with you?

This is about trust. A strong attorney should be able to articulate why clients stay with them, and many will have clients who are willing to share their experience. Just like in wealth management, referrals and client stories often say more than resumes.

7. If you were in my shoes, what questions would you ask that I have not asked you?

Sometimes the most valuable insights come from the questions you didn’t think to ask. A seasoned attorney will likely raise considerations you hadn’t thought of — and you’ll quickly see whether they are a true advisor or just a document drafter.

Final thoughts

Estate planning isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for it in a way that reflects your values, protects your family, and minimizes unnecessary stress. Asking these seven questions will help you find an estate attorney who can give you peace of mind without overcomplicating your life.

If you’d like help aligning your estate plan from an estate attorney with your overall financial strategy, our team would be happy to talk. Reach out to schedule a conversation and take the next step toward protecting what matters most.

Keating Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. We coordinate with your chosen legal professionals to align your estate plan with your financial strategy. Keating Financial Advisory Services, Inc. does not endorse any specific estate attorney and makes no representations regarding individual client outcomes.