Estate planning is not just for the rich or elderly. Everyone who wants to plan their finances and make sure their loved ones will be taken care of when they are gone should think about it. Where do you begin? A good estate planning attorney is a great place to start. It’s like picking an avocado in the grocery store: you need to gently press down on it until you feel if it is a good one.

Let’s start by examining the reasons why you need a specialist. These professionals assist you in legal documentation–including wills, trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives–to prevent common pitfalls that could derail your wishes. These professionals are like navigators on the high seas for your financial assets. They guide you safely through the rough waters of legislation to reach your destination.

Peel your eyes before hiring someone! You can also ask about their experience. Each state has its unique estate law. You wouldn’t go on a New York City tour with a guide that specializes in the Grand Canyon. To effectively guide your estate planning, the attorney should be familiar with local laws.

A lawyer who specializes in estate planning doesn’t simply fill out forms. They create strategies that are in line with your personal and financial goals. It could be minimizing estate tax or establishing a trust for a child who is a spendthrift in a manner that doesn’t discourage productive behavior. They can also help you navigate your family dynamics to ensure that your final wishes will be carried out without family conflict.

Here’s the point where the cheese starts to stick. It’s uncomfortable but necessary to discuss your end-of life affairs or possible incapacity. An estate planning lawyer is like a bartender, able to create the perfect cocktail of documents for you without spilling any liquid. The attorney will listen to your concerns and customize your plan according to your specific needs.

Let’s tell a story. Once, an estate planner was presented with a plan that looked like last year’s Christmas lights. Instead of throwing out the whole thing, the lawyer unraveled the pieces, addressed each bulb, and got the plan to not only glow, but also sync with the client’s favourite holiday songs.

Don’t choose the first person that appears in your search results. Ask for recommendations, read reviews and ask questions as though you were on a date. You are establishing a relationship which will determine how you handle your personal affairs.

Your attorney should also be clear in their communication. They shouldn’t use legal jargon and expect you to understand it. You may not be the best fit if you leave a consultation feeling more confused than you did when you arrived. You need a lawyer that not only knows estate law, but can explain it to you.

After you have chosen the right lawyer, don’t forget that estate planning is not a “set it and leave it” crockpot dinner. It’s like a sourdough, which requires periodic adjustments and attention as you and the law change.