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Taking a Financial Inventory

Twelve Months of Financial Milestones

Working with Financial and Legal Advisors

What Kind of Advisor Do I Need?

How Do I Find the Right Financial Advisor?

How Do I Find the Right Legal Advisor?

Get Names

Do Your Homework

Choose Your Lawyer

Settling the Estate

Taking Control of Your Financial Future

Glossary of Financial Terms

Resources

WORKING WITH FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ADVISORS
Finding the Right Legal Advisor: Interview
Prospective Lawyers

Call two or three prospective lawyers. Talk to them on the phone or ask for a brief meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications and experience. Think about your reasons for seeking a lawyer. What problems are you trying to solve? Most lawyers offer a short initial meeting at no cost. Some questions to ask:

• What is your experience handling
__________________________? (Fill in the area
of specialty you are seeking, such as estate settlement.)

• Will you personally handle my case, or will it be handled by an associate?

• How will you involve me in the process?

• What do you estimate my case will cost in fees?

Do you require fees up-front?

• Do you ever charge less for people who do not have much money? Are you willing to work out a payment plan with me?

• Are there ways I can assist you to keep my costs down?

Ask a family member or close friend to accompany you on these interviews if you’d like additional support.