Who to Trust with Your Trust

In addition to questions of inheritance and guardianship, estate planning instruments like wills and trusts come with additional benefits: they safeguard your legacy, protect your heirs from creditors, avoid what can be a costly and time-consuming probate process, and ensure that the private affairs of you and your family remain out of the public domain.

In other words: it’s kind of a big deal. Whether you’re wealthy, have limited means, or are somewhere in between, the importance of deciding what to do with your assets and how to best protect and provide for your family and friends is something all of us can relate to.

The real question is not whether or not you should (spoiler alert: you should) or even how and when to get it done—it’s who you can trust to guide you through the process and provide you with the thoughtful and considerate counsel you and your family deserve.

Capable and dependable

First and foremost, you want to know that your estate planning guidance comes from experienced, reputable attorneys who know the law and are proven subject matter experts in the complexities of estate planning. Make sure they know their stuff before you trust them with your stuff. Ideally, you want to partner with a law firm (not merely an estate planning clearinghouse or DIY website, but a true law firm) that has an established reputation for high level estate planning expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. The right firm will have a long and well-documented track record serving as a trusted resource for families and individuals.

Streamlined and straightforward

The best estate planning professionals have options to make the process as easy and painless as possible. At Shea Law, we have developed an innovative and inspired estate planning service model, embracing the kind of game-changing technologies and smart efficiencies that make it possible to provide attentive and personal service. Flexible online and hybrid service options allow clients to select an estate planning consultation option that meets their individual needs and personal preferences. Accessible pricing, welcome convenience, and a customizable level of personal engagement should be non-negotiable for anyone looking for guidance with their estate plan.

Empathy and expertise

While a strong and demonstrated record of success and high-level expertise in estate planning matters should be at the top of the priority list when it comes to picking an estate planning partner, it’s also important to make sure that partnership is genuine. Ideally, you want to work with someone that can offer deep empathy as well as deep expertise. Preserving your legacy and protecting yourself and your loved ones is one of the most important acts any of us will ever do in this life. The best estate planning professionals recognize that this is a unique legal specialty, one that is focused on family, security, and lasting peace of mind. They approach estate planning not as a box to be checked, but as a sacred responsibility to guide each client through that process, listening diligently and providing customized counsel instead of formulaic advice.

A process—and a partner

At Shea, we believe that estate planning is a process—not an event. As personal and financial circumstances change over time, as families grow, and as priorities evolve, estate planning needs will change as well. Wills and trusts may be items on an estate planning checklist, but completing those tasks isn’t always the end of the story. Which is why the best estate planning professionals build a personal relationship with every client, delivering the kind of high-touch service that creates close and enduring personal and professional relationships. If and when you need to adjust your estate plan because of new priorities or major life events, having an attorney you know and trust will matter a great deal. It can be gratifying to know that you are in the capable and caring hands of a professional who is prepared to help you take the next step on your estate planning journey.