How To Find A Good Estate Planning Lawyer

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer can make the difference between a plan that protects your family and one that causes confusion, delays, or future legal problems. Estate planning is not something most families think about every day, which is why finding the right attorney requires careful consideration.

As an estate planning lawyer serving families throughout California, including Orange County, I often get asked what is the best way to find a good estate planning lawyer

The answer is simple. You want someone you trust and someone who takes the time to understand your goals. Below is a guide on how to find the right attorney for your situation.

Start by Meeting the Lawyer First

A good estate planning lawyer should always offer some type of initial meeting. This may be a phone call, a video meeting, or an in person consultation. The purpose is not to sell you a product. It is to understand your family, your finances, and what you want your estate plan to accomplish.

Many trustworthy estate planning lawyers will provide the first meeting at no cost. I call mine an Estate Planning Strategy Session. It gives clients a clear picture of what they need, what it will cost, and how the plan will work.

Schedule a free estate planning strategy session

Look for a Lawyer Who Asks Questions

A good estate planning lawyer will spend more time listening than talking. You want someone who wants to understand:

• Your family dynamics
• Your financial picture
• Your long term goals
• Your concerns about probate
• Your wishes for your children
• Your feelings about privacy and control

Estate planning is not just paperwork. It is guidance, problem solving, and long term strategy. If the lawyer does not ask questions, they cannot design the right plan. What a complete estate plan includes

Avoid Lawyers Who Charge by the Hour

Estate planning should not be billed by the hour, unless you have a net worth of about $10 million or more. Hourly billing creates uncertainty and discourages clients from asking important questions. Today, most reputable estate planning attorneys use flat rate pricing. This gives you full clarity up front about the total cost and what is included.

Flat fee billing ensures you understand exactly what you are receiving, such as:

• A revocable living trust
• A last will
• A financial power of attorney
• An advance health care directive
• Guardianship provisions
• Trust funding instructions

Clients should know the exact cost at the end of the initial consultation.

Learn about estate planning costs in California

Use Reviews and Personal Recommendations Carefully

Google reviews, referrals from friends, and advice from financial advisors can all be helpful. However, these sources alone do not guarantee a good fit. Estate planning is personal. You want to meet the attorney yourself to judge whether their communication style and approach work for you.

Talk to more than one attorney if needed. The right lawyer will make you feel comfortable and confident, not pressured. See client experience and estate planning videos

Choose a Lawyer Who Practices Estate Planning Regularly

Estate planning is a specialized area of law. Your attorney should focus primarily on:

• Living trusts
• Wills
• Probate
• Trust administration
• Asset protection planning
• Tax issues
• Real estate titling requirements

You should avoid attorneys who practice ten different areas of law and only do estate planning occasionally. A dedicated estate planning attorney will understand current laws, tax considerations, and the details that protect your family.  California State Bar Lawyer Search

Pay Attention to the Lawyer’s Process

A good estate planning attorney should have a clear and organized process that includes:

1. A detailed initial meeting
   
   
2. A flat fee proposal
   
   
3. Drafting based on your goals
   
   
4. A signing meeting
   
   
5. Guidance on funding your trust
   
   
6. Access for questions in the future
   
   

The right lawyer ensures your documents are legally valid and easy for your family to use.

Related link: Living trusts in Orange County

Key Takeaways

• You should meet the lawyer first to see if they are a good fit.
• Choose someone who asks questions and listens to your goals.
• Avoid lawyers who charge by the hour for estate planning.
• Check that the attorney practices estate planning regularly.
• Look for flat fee pricing that clearly explains what is included.
• Use referrals and reviews, but always meet the lawyer yourself.
• A good estate plan is built on trust, clarity, and communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask an estate planning lawyer during the first meeting?

Ask about their experience, their pricing, what documents you need, and whether your goals can be achieved with a trust or will.

Should I choose a lawyer or use an online service?

Online documents cannot replace legal advice and often miss critical issues. A lawyer ensures your plan works the way you intend.

How much does it cost to hire an estate planning lawyer in California?

Costs vary, but most experienced attorneys use flat fee pricing. This prevents unexpected billing and gives you certainty.

How do I know if I need trust or a will?

Most California homeowners need a living trust to avoid probate. An attorney can explain the difference and help you decide.

Can I work with an attorney who is not in my county?

Yes. Estate planning is statewide. I work with clients throughout California.

Do I need to update my estate plan?

Yes. You may need to update your plan after major life events like marriage, divorce, or buying a home.

Final Thoughts

Finding a good estate planning lawyer does not need to be complicated. Look for someone who communicates clearly, understands your priorities, and uses a predictable process. The right lawyer will protect your family, reduce unnecessary costs, and give you peace of mind.

If you live in California and you want to create a complete estate plan, now is the time to start.

Schedule Your Free Strategy Session Today or call (949) 377-2996 with Michael Pevney, your trusted Orange County estate planning attorney.