When you are selecting the right person to serve in the role of your estate planning attorney, it’s important to think about how this is a long term relationship rather than an opportunity to meet with an attorney once and get everything you need. As your life changes, so too should your estate planning strategies and documents. This is why it’s important to identify the right California estate planning lawyer from the outset.
One of the things to look for in an attorney is responsiveness. Your attorney should respond to you when you write, call or reach out with questions about your legal matters. It could be regarding updates on a probate situation or getting questions answered about how your trust works. Of course, your attorney may be busy representing other clients or in court, but you should always expect a reasonable response time.
When you have an initial meeting with your Pasadena estate planning attorney, set out clear expectations regarding communication. How does your attorney prefer to receive details? How soon can you expect response times after you reach out to his or her office. If you find that an attorney does not respond to your inquiries, it may be time to consider partnering with someone else. As a client, you have the right be kept informed about your case and to have the access to an attorney within a reasonable amount of time.
If your lawyer does not respond to you, this can generate numerous problems for you. Make sure you schedule an initial consultation with an attorney before deciding to work together so that you have a clear sense of whether or not this is the right fit for you.