You can probably take care of some estate planning tasks without hiring a lawyer. For example, if your situation is simple and you have good do-it-yourself resources, you might make a basic will, finalize health care directives and powers of attorney, or even draft your own living trust to avoid probate court. However, there are many times when an experienced estate planning lawyer can be a big help. (See Ten Ways an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help You.)
Why Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer
Estate planning law is a specialty. If you decide to consult an estate planning lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on estate planning, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.
Resources for Finding Estate Planning Lawyers
Here are some recommended ways to find an estate planning lawyer:
Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know an estate planning lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good estate planning attorney.
Ask your local bar association. The Illinois State Bar Association maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of estate planning lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.
Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Elm River, IL. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Elm River, IL estate planning lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.
- Nolo Lawyer Directory of Estate Planning Attorneys
- Justia.com Illinois Estate Planning Lawyer Directory
- Findlaw Directory of Estate Planning Lawyers
Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get estate planning assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.
- Free legal services in Illinois from Legal Services Corporation
- Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.
Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with an estate planning lawyer in Elm River, IL, you can enter your information below. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.