You don’t know how many times potential clients inform us, that they can get documents cheaper somewhere else. Although this is true enough, here are some questions to ask before you decide to pick the cheapest price.
1. Will their documents do what you need them to do?
Not all documents are created equal. For example, many low cost documents will not offer you a plan. Let’s talk about the average Power of Attorney. (A Power of Attorney is a document that gives someone the right to act for you, both, legally and financially.) A typical Power of Attorney is usually one or two pages in length, including signatures. Our Power of Attorney is around 19 pages. Why is that important? We specifically state what powers your agent may have. Some powers must be specifically spelled out to allow your agent to act. Sometimes you may want to have some people responsible for some aspects of your life, and another responsible for other things. We believe that it is best to spell out exactly how and what you want your agents to do, as well as give them sufficient power to act when they need to. Generally, by the time they need to use your Power of Attorney, you are not capable of changing that document due to a mental incapacity, and it becomes too late.
2. Can they talk to you about your Veteran’s Benefits?
Unless someone is accredited by the Veteran’s Administration, they cannot discuss any VA benefits you may be entitled to. You may be leaving up to about $2100 per month on the table unless you know whether you can qualify for those benefits. We have that accreditation. More importantly, we know how to plan so that you qualify quickly for those benefits. Getting an extra $2100 per month can quickly offset the costs of quality documents.
3. Is their practice solely focused on estate planning, probate, and Elder Law?
Many practitioners dabble in document production without understanding the implications poor planning may have. A poorly planned estate will cost you more in terms of Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits, as well as costing your family more when you pass.
We believe that cheap documents are good marketing. At Frankfort Elder Law, we discuss your options and your vision. We want to implement your goals, whether it be avoiding probate or making sure your estate is protected for future generations. We keep abreast of the ever-changing law to ensure that your asset protection is maximized. We make sure that your documents do what you want them to do. This is good lawyering.
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