Let’s say you ask some family members what lawyer they use. They all recommend the same one. What should you do? Phone and set up a meeting with this lawyer?

 

Don’t be too fast to make that call. You need more information before you decide. Here are 10 questions to ask the people who are recommending a lawyer to you. 

Ten questions to ask someone who recommends a lawyer

1.      How long have you known or worked with this lawyer?

 

2.      What did the lawyer do for you? Did it relate to wills or estates?

 

3.      Does this lawyer handle a lot of other people’s wills and estates?

 

4.      Is the lawyer used to working with people like me, with similar financial and personal situations?

 

5.      Is it easy to talk to this lawyer? Does he or she listen well and answer questions clearly?

 

6.      Do you believe this lawyer offers sound advice? Do they seem to be experienced and

         professional in what they do?

 

7.      Do you trust them to do what’s best for you?

 

8.      Were you happy with the work the lawyer did for you?

 

9.      Were the costs what you expected, or did you get any surprise bills?

 

10.     Does this lawyer provide any other services? 

Remember: Don’t assume you will like the same lawyer someone else does.

To check out a referral, try to find out what it’s really like to work with the lawyer. Do they have the right kind of experience to help you with your situation? Are they easy to talk to? These things can make a big difference in how well you’ll be able to work together.