Are you grappling with the emotional and financial turmoil that often accompanies inheritance issues? Whether you’re dealing with a significant estate or navigating delicate family dynamics, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
If you’ve reached a point where conversations break down and resolution seems impossible, it might be time to consider litigation. Read along and Gaslowitz Frankel will guide you through the crucial factors to consider when choosing an estate litigator and navigating the complex process ahead.
What is the First Step to Getting an Estate Litigator?
The first step in selecting an estate litigator should always be research-based. You’ll want to search for law firms that provide this service, and have plenty of proof of their expertise. This proof can come in many forms: online reviews, knowledgeable blogs, case studies, and more.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few prime candidates, it’s important to meet them in person for an initial consultation. Think of this like an interview. It’s your chance to make sure that the attorney you select will be the right fit for you.
Related Article: Best Lawyers in America© 2024 Honors Gaslowitz Frankel Founding Partners Adam Gaslowitz and Craig Frankel
What Should I Consider When Choosing an Estate Litigator?
When interviewing your candidates, it’s best to be upfront with them. After all, they cannot assess your case unless they know all of the important facts. Arrive at your initial consultations prepared with a list of questions you’d like to ask each candidate. That way, when you’ve conducted all of your interviews, you’ll have comparable data that you can use to make an informed decision on who will represent you in court.
At Gaslowitz Frankel, we believe a great estate litigator should tick the following boxes for their clients:
Past Experience with Similar Cases
The first major factor to consider is whether or not the attorney has experience with similar cases. Make sure you schedule a consultation with multiple attorneys , and speak to each one about the nuances of your case. Ask them if they’ve worked on similar projects, and how those disputes were resolved.
Court Experience
The next factor when considering an estate litigator is their level of court experience. You’ll want to hire a litigator who is comfortable in court and can anticipate your opponent’s arguments. Your lawyer should have experience in every aspect of litigation – deposing witnesses, seeking written discovery, and protecting documents that are privileged or irrelevant from being produced to your opponent. from
Support Resources Available
A litigator is only as strong as his or her team. When meeting for your initial consultation, ask your potential candidates about their support team – associates, paralegals and legal assistants play an important role in keeping a case on track and, because their billing rates tend to be lower than a lead attorney’s, keeping your legal fees down.
Billing Methods
How does your potential Litigator plan to bill you? Depending on your financial situation, this will also play a big part in your decision.
Means and Frequency of Communication
It may seem small at first, but you want to make sure that you and your attorney communicate well together and that they understand the frequency and type of communication you prefer (i.e., phone calls, emails, etc.).
Compassion and Understanding
The final quality that you should look for in great estate litigator is their level of compassion and understanding. Your attorney should feel like a trusted partner that not only understands your situation, but also empathizes with you.
Read More: What to Do When the Executor Won’t Communicate With You
Why Gaslowitz Frankel is a Good Fit For Your Estate Dispute Case
Gaslowitz Frankel LLC is among the Southeast’s premier litigation law firms. Our legal team specializes in all aspects of estate disputes representing individuals, executors, trustees, investors, shareholders, and corporate fiduciaries in complex fiduciary disputes involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and businesses.
If you are seeking an estate litigator, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us by filling out our contact form for a free consultation about your case.
