This worksheet is for comparing estate planning legal help with neutral, verifiable questions. It is not a lawyer directory and does not endorse a specific lawyer, firm, fee, document package, or result.
Start with the matter, not the marketing
Write down whether the question involves a will, trust, probate filing, power of attorney, Medicaid planning, guardianship, business succession, real estate transfer, tax issue, or family disagreement. The right questions depend on the matter.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you licensed and in good standing in the state connected to this matter?
- How often do you handle this type of estate planning, probate, trust, or elder law issue?
- Who will do the work day to day, and how are updates handled?
- What is included in the quoted fee, and what could create additional cost?
- How do you handle tax, real estate, benefits, or court issues that require another professional?
Records to compare accurately
- Current wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
- Deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, and business records.
- Prior probate, guardianship, Medicaid, tax, or court documents.
- A short family tree and a list of people who may disagree.
Verify independently
Use state bar resources, public disciplinary lookup tools, court information, and the professional's own engagement letter before relying on claims about experience, fees, or availability.