DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SOLEY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. IT IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL AUTHORITY AND IS ONLY THE AUTHOR’S INTERPRETATION OF ESTATE PLANNING, TRUST ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE LAW.
Choosing the right Nebraska estate planning attorney is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are accurately reflected in your estate plan and that your assets are protected for future generations. Each estate will be different, depending upon the property, finances, family and presence of a Last Will and Testament. Consulting an estate planning attorney is essential for minimizing taxes, protecting assets, and ensuring the orderly distribution of wealth. Here are some key factors to consider when looking for an estate planning attorney:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a Nebraska attorney who specializes in estate planning and has extensive experience in this area of law. Consider factors such as how long they have been practicing, their track record of successful cases, and their familiarity with the laws and regulations governing estate planning in Nebraska. State laws do have a big effect on estate planning. State laws differ when it comes to property rights of spouses, the rights of children to inherit, and estate and inheritance taxes. Each state also has its own set of allowed probate-avoidance methods. In Nebraska a new law was passed in 2022 that applies to inheritance tax for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2023.
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the attorney’s reputation within the legal community and among past clients. Look for reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients, as well as any disciplinary history or complaints filed with the state bar association.
- Qualifications: Check the attorney’s credentials to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to handle your estate planning needs effectively.
- Client-Centered Approach: Choose an attorney who takes a client-centered approach to estate planning, listening carefully to your concerns, goals, and preferences. They should take the time to explain complex legal concepts in plain language and involve you in the decision-making process. Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. Remember, each estate will be different, depending upon property, finances, family and presence of a Last Will and Testament. The attorneys at Adams & Sullivan believe it is your estate plan and will customize an estate plan tailored to your individual circumstances and objectives.
- Communication and Accessibility: Ensure that the attorney is responsive to your inquiries and communicates with you in a timely and transparent manner. Accessibility is essential, so choose an attorney who is readily available to address your questions and concerns throughout the estate planning process.
- Comprehensive Services: Choose an attorney who offers a comprehensive range of estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and asset protection strategies. They should be able to address all aspects of your estate planning needs under one roof.
- Transparent Fees: Understand the attorney’s fee structure upfront and ensure that it aligns with your budget and expectations. Ask for a clear explanation of all fees and expenses associated with the estate planning process to avoid any surprises later.
- References and Referrals: Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family members, or financial advisors who have worked with estate planning attorneys in the past. Referrals can provide valuable insights into the attorney’s reputation and quality of service.
- Continuing Education and Stay Updated: Choose an attorney who stays updated on changes in estate planning laws, regulations, and best practices through continuing education and professional development. This ensures that they can provide you with the most current and effective estate planning strategies. By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can select an estate planning attorney who is well-equipped to assist you in creating a comprehensive and effective estate plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
The attorneys at Adams & Sullivan work with beneficiaries, executors and trustees to make sure that your wishes are followed, and that a precise distribution of assets and property is executed. If a family dispute erupts over an irregularity such as a last-minute change to a will or allegations of undue influence or incompetency, Adams & Sullivan can seek a negotiated outcome or aggressively litigate in your best interests in probate court.
Adams & Sullivan lawyers make thoughtful recommendations for blending a number of useful estate planning tools such as living wills and:
- Wills and Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Revocable or irrevocable trusts
- Durable and medical powers of attorney
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Strategy for charitable giving
- Asset protection
Learn More About Adams & Sullivan’s Estate Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate Services
Mr. Sullivan has been practicing law for 30 years in the greater Omaha area. His practice focuses heavily on commercial real estate transactions, ranging from buying/selling, new development, condemnations and representation of sanitary and improvement districts.
