Estate planning lawyers assist clients with all details of planning an estate from giving advice to making sure wishes are carried up after death. These attorneys draft trusts and wills along with power of attorney documents. They also work to ensure life savings and assets are safe from creditors and that estate taxes are avoided or minimized.
Your attorney should offer you an engagement letter that details:
Your lawyer can also:
Your estate planning lawyer can also aid you in minimizing any estate or inheritance taxes. Once you pass away, they can also assist the executor of your will in transferring assets to your beneficiaries. Should probate become necessary, they can help with that as well. Additionally, an estate planning lawyer can help you ensure that you’re prepared for end-of-life scenarios in which you’re unable to make your own decisions.
An estate lawyer is a bar certified attorney who specializes in estate planning and assists clients in drafting and implementing legal documents, including wills and trusts. Estate law is closely related to family law, since lawyers often must work with related individuals who are involved with an estate. If you enter this legal specialty, you'll ...
As of March 2021, Payscale.com reported that estate planning attorneys made a median annual wage of $78,000. According to the BLS, the job outlook for all lawyers will increase 4% for the years 2019 to 2029.
Estate lawyers gain much of their specific estate planning knowledge through on-the-job experience, mentorships and continuing education. Along with having advanced knowledge of the legal system, you should be well versed in the Uniform Probate Code, which imposes rules and limits on wills and trusts.
Key Skills. Analytical, interpersonal skills, good at problem-solving, research, speaking and writing. Work Environment. Private or corporate offices, may attend meetings at hospitals, prisons or the homes of clients. Similar Occupations.