09 Mar How to Find a Good Estate Planning Lawyer

Ready to begin estate planning, but unsure where to look for a good lawyer? With so many advertisements, it can be hard to tell who is qualified and who is overcharging. Not only that, but a poorly drafted will or a trust that wasn’t funded properly can cost your family thousands of dollars and years of headaches. 

Here’s what you need to look for when it comes to finding a good estate planning attorney. 

Start by Looking for a Firm That Specializes in Estate Planning

Any lawyer can take an online course in estate planning, but without any experience, they probably aren’t the best choice. Plenty of attorneys say they handle estate planning, but actually practice several different types of law. If you want an expert, you need to find a lawyer whose specialty is estate planning.

The State Bar of Arizona recognizes attorneys who earn a formal Estate & Trust Law certification. To obtain this designation, an attorney must pass a written exam and demonstrate involvement in estate matters for at least four years of the six previous years. Furthermore, they must also receive strong recommendations from fellow lawyers and judges. 

Selecting an attorney who meets these standards means you get to work with someone who has years of notable experience, stays current on changing laws, and knows the local courts.

How to Vet a Lawyer and Avoid Estate Planning Scams

Like many other industries, estate planning attracts its share of bad apples. A classic red flag is when unlicensed “document preparers” or financial salespeople pitch living trusts as a way to sell annuities or other financial products. Understanding how to vet a lawyer and avoid estate planning scams can save you from making costly mistakes.

1: Verify the practitioner’s license. 

You can use the State Bar of Arizona’s member directory to confirm the attorney is currently licensed and in good standing. You can check their disciplinary history in the directory as well. 

2: Ask about their fee structure. 

Any reputable attorney will be upfront and transparent about costs before you commit. If products are tied to services, or they ask for ongoing payments, be wary. 

3: Watch out for pressure tactics. 

Scammers usually try to create urgency, telling you that you must sign immediately or your estate will be at risk. A trustworthy lawyer will give you time to ask questions and review documents, and they will never pressure you into signing a contract. 

4: Ask for references. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends interviewing lawyers thoroughly, asking for references, and checking complaint history before hiring. Reading a law firm’s reviews online is a good way to find out if they’re trustworthy or not.

5: Look for longevity. 

An estate planning firm that has been working in the same city for years (or even decades) is probably one you can trust. Longevity proves that a firm has worked hard to build a solid reputation and that they serve their clients well. 

The Most Trusted Estate Planning Firm in Phoenix

If you live in the Phoenix area, you can find a trusted estate planning firm by looking for:

• Local expertise
• A dedicated practice area
• Good reviews and a track record you can verify

Most of all, it’s important to find a lawyer you feel comfortable talking to, because estate planning involves deeply personal conversations about your finances and family. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to vet the attorneys at the firm you choose. At Phelps LaClair, you can meet the team before committing, so you know exactly who you’ll be working with. 

Take the Next Step With Confidence

Knowing how to find a good estate planning lawyer mainly comes down to research: check their credentials, verify their State Bar certificates, and choose a firm that the community trusts. Your estate plan is too important to fall vulnerable to some online scam. 

At Phelps LaClair, estate planning is all we do. We don’t handle litigations, divorces, or bankruptcies. Everyone on our team is an expert in estate planning law, and we have been in practice for over 40 years. 

If you’re looking for an estate planning lawyer in Arizona, contact us to schedule a free consultation in Chandler, Mesa, Tucson, or one of our other Phoenix Valley locations today.

Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 2/22/25.