10 Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney

Nicole McGann

Aug 31 2026 12:00

Choosing an estate planning attorney is an important decision because the documents you create can affect your finances, health care decisions, loved ones, and legacy. The right attorney should listen carefully, explain your options in plain language, and build a plan that reflects your goals—not a one-size-fits-all template.

For individuals and families in Longmont, Boulder, Weld County, and Larimer County, asking thoughtful questions during an initial consultation can make it easier to find an attorney you trust. Here are 10 questions that can help you evaluate whether an estate planning lawyer is the right fit.

1. What Estate Planning Services Do You Offer?

Start by learning whether the attorney handles the services you may need now and in the future. A comprehensive estate plan may include a will, one or more trusts, financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, living wills, beneficiary-designation guidance, and planning for probate.

Ask whether the attorney regularly prepares and reviews these documents, rather than offering estate planning only occasionally. At McGann Law Group, we focus primarily on estate planning, helping clients understand how the pieces of their plan work together.

2. How Much of Your Practice Is Devoted to Estate Planning?

Estate planning is not simply a matter of filling in forms. It involves understanding family relationships, asset ownership, beneficiary designations, incapacity planning, and the practical realities of administering an estate.

Ask how often the attorney works with estate planning clients and what types of plans they create most often. You may also want to ask whether they have experience with situations similar to yours, such as blended families, minor children, a family business, real estate, retirement accounts, or a loved one with special planning needs.

3. Have You Handled Situations Like Mine?

Every client brings a different set of concerns. A young parent may be focused on naming guardians for children. A retiree may be concerned about avoiding unnecessary probate complications. A business owner may need to consider succession planning. Someone with a complicated tax issue may need coordinated guidance involving tax controversy or tax resolution.

You do not need an attorney who has seen your exact circumstances before, but you should feel confident that they understand the legal and practical questions your situation raises. Ask how they would approach the issues that matter most to you.

4. Which Documents Do You Recommend—and Why?

A good estate planning attorney should be able to explain the purpose of each recommended document in language you can understand. Ask why a will may be appropriate, whether a trust could be helpful, and how powers of attorney and living wills fit into your overall plan.

Be cautious if you receive a recommendation without a meaningful discussion of your goals, family, assets, and concerns. Your estate plan should be tailored to you. The goal is not to create the most documents possible; it is to create the right documents for your circumstances.

5. How Will You Help Me Plan for Incapacity?

Estate planning is about more than what happens after death. It also gives you an opportunity to name people you trust to help if you cannot make financial or medical decisions for yourself.

Ask how the attorney addresses financial powers of attorney, medical decision-making authority, and living wills. Discuss whom you would want to act on your behalf and whether those individuals are prepared for the responsibility. These conversations can be difficult, but clear planning can reduce uncertainty for your family during a stressful time.

6. What Should I Know About Probate in Colorado?

Probate is the court-supervised process that may be used to administer a person’s estate after death. Whether probate is needed—and how involved it may be—depends on the assets, how they are titled, beneficiary designations, the existence of a valid will, and other facts.

Ask the attorney to explain how your current assets could pass to loved ones and what planning steps may help simplify administration. Trusts, beneficiary designations, and properly titled accounts can each play a role, but they should be considered as part of a coordinated plan. McGann Law Group helps Colorado clients look at the full picture rather than relying on a single strategy.

7. How Do You Charge for Estate Planning Services?

Before you hire an attorney, ask for a clear explanation of fees. Some estate planning matters are handled for a flat fee, while others may be billed hourly or involve a combination of billing methods. The appropriate arrangement often depends on the complexity of the plan and the work involved.

Ask what the quoted fee includes, whether there may be additional costs, and how future updates are handled. A transparent conversation about fees helps you make an informed decision and prevents misunderstandings later.

8. Who Will I Work With Throughout the Process?

This question matters if a personal attorney-client relationship is important to you. At some firms, you may meet with one lawyer but work primarily with other staff members after the initial consultation. There is nothing inherently wrong with that approach, but you should know what to expect.

At McGann Law Group, clients work directly with Nicole McGann. As a solo law firm, we offer a personable, one-to-one approach for clients in Longmont and surrounding Colorado communities.

9. How and When Should My Estate Plan Be Updated?

An estate plan should not be treated as a document you sign once and forget. Major life changes can create a need for review, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a move, the purchase or sale of significant property, retirement, a change in health, or the death of a beneficiary or fiduciary.

Ask how often the attorney recommends reviewing your plan and whether the firm offers ongoing support. Even when no major event has occurred, a periodic review can help confirm that your documents still match your wishes and work with your current assets and beneficiary designations.

10. What Will Happen After I Sign My Documents?

Signing is an important milestone, but it is not always the final step. Ask whether you will receive guidance on storing original documents, sharing necessary information with trusted decision-makers, updating account beneficiaries, or transferring assets to a trust when appropriate.

You should also ask what your loved ones may need to know if something happens to you. A well-designed estate plan is most effective when the people who may need to use it can locate the documents and understand whom to contact for help.

FAQ

Do I need an estate plan if I am not wealthy?

Yes. Estate planning can help adults at many income and asset levels make decisions about health care, finances, children, and the distribution of property. The right plan will depend on your individual circumstances.

Should I choose a will or a trust?

That depends on your goals, assets, family situation, and preferences. A will and a trust serve different purposes, and some people benefit from using both. An estate planning attorney can explain the advantages and limitations of each option.

How long does estate planning take?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of your circumstances, the decisions you need to make, and how quickly information is gathered and documents are reviewed. Ask the attorney for an expected timeline during your consultation.

Can I update my estate plan later?

In many cases, yes. Estate planning documents are commonly reviewed and updated as life changes. It is important to work with an attorney so changes are completed properly.

What should I bring to an estate planning consultation?

Bring a general list of assets and debts, existing estate planning documents, information about beneficiaries and key decision-makers, and a list of questions or concerns. You do not need to have every answer before the meeting; the consultation is designed to help you work through the decisions.

Asking the right questions can help you choose an attorney with the experience, communication style, and approach that fit your needs. If you are ready to begin or update an estate plan, McGann Law Group is here to help clients in Longmont, Boulder, Mead, Firestone, and the surrounding Colorado communities create practical plans with confidence.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Estate planning decisions should be based on your individual circumstances and current Colorado law.