If you’re going to do this, you need to do it RIGHT! But what does that mean? Well, if you’re reading this, then you’ve already realized that DIY kits and forms, or those legal programs are not for you, and you need a qualified law firm to put together your estate plan. But how do you know if you’ve picked the right one? If you have no experience when it comes to how Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other estate matters get handled WHEN THE TIME COMES, then the EASIEST way to decide is…well, cost. So long as it sounds like they get the job done, right? Sadly, even law firms make things much more expensive and time consuming when it’s time to actually use the planning documents they create! Sure, they may be “cheap” or easy to create, set up, and sign, but how can you be sure they'll stand up when it matters most?
The Burch Law Promise is that we guarantee our estate plans work! Below is a checklist of what to look for when choosing an Estate Planning Law Firm.
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Firm
How Burch Law Measures Up
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What percent of their practice is focused on estate planning? (This should be at least 50%.)
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Focus on Estate Planning
Burch Law’s cases are 80% estate planning.
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Do they also handle probate cases or estate administration? (If they don’t know how these documents get interpreted by courts and financial institutions when you pass away, then they shouldn’t be drafting them.)
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Probate & Estate Administration Experience
Burch Law has decades of experience handling probate and administration cases all over Texas.
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Will they guide you on arranging bank accounts and designating beneficiaries for life insurance, retirement, and investments?
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Guidance on Financial Accounts & Beneficiaries
Because they way your bank accounts and beneficiaries are set up override what your Will or Trust state, it’s crucial to ensure they coordinate with your plan. Burch Law offers comprehensive guidance.
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Will they help you get your documents signed properly so they work?
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Assistance with Document Signing
It is crucial that Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney are signed in accordance with Texas law or else they won’t work! Burch Law provides in-house notaries and witnesses or can assist with remote signings.
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Do they provide you with originals and electronic copies of your signed documents?
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Provision of Original & Electronic Documents
Burch Law provides both original and digital copies via a client portal.
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Do they have a succession plan in case of the owner's death, sale, or retirement, ensuring continuity for updates and family needs?
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Succession Plan for Firm’s Continuity
Burch Law has multiple attorneys and emergency plans for ongoing client support.
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How do they charge if you want to update your plan?
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Charges for Plan Updates
Burch Law offers a yearly subscription, The C.Y.A. Plan - Cover Your Assets, that includes discounts or complimentary updates.
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Do they provide periodic reviews of your plan to make sure it is still in line with your wishes and any changes in the law?
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Periodic Plan Reviews
The C.Y.A. Plan includes various membership levels from yearly to quarterly plan reviews. Visit thecyaplan.com for details.
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Do they have expertise in advising on asset protection and business interests for business or rental property owners?
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Expertise in Asset Protection & Business Coordination
Burch Law has experts for business law, rental property protection, and integrating business interests with estate plans.
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Will they draft and ensure the filing/recording of deeds, such as for a revocable living trust?
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Filing of Deeds for Trusts & Real Estate
Burch Law ensures proper drafting and recording of deeds in Texas, with connections for out-of-state properties.
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Do they have a mission statement that shares their values and what makes them different?
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Clear Mission Statement
Burch Law's values and purpose are outlined in The Burch Law Difference.
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Firm
-
What percent of their practice is focused on estate planning? (This should be at least 50%.)
-
Do they also handle probate cases or estate administration? (If they don’t know how these documents get interpreted by courts and financial institutions when you pass away, then they shouldn’t be drafting them.)
-
Will they guide you on arranging bank accounts and designating beneficiaries for life insurance, retirement, and investments?
-
Will they help you get your documents signed properly so they work?
-
Do they provide you with originals and electronic copies of your signed documents?
-
Do they have a succession plan in case of the owner's death, sale, or retirement, ensuring continuity for updates and family needs?
-
How do they charge if you want to update your plan?
-
Do they provide periodic reviews of your plan to make sure it is still in line with your wishes and any changes in the law?
-
Do they have expertise in advising on asset protection and business interests for business or rental property owners?
-
Will they draft and ensure the filing/recording of deeds, such as for a revocable living trust?
-
Do they have a mission statement that shares their values and what makes them different?
How Burch Law Measures Up
-
Focus on Estate Planning
Burch Law’s cases are 80% estate planning.
-
Probate & Estate Administration Experience
Burch Law has decades of experience handling probate and administration cases all over Texas.
-
Guidance on Financial Accounts & Beneficiaries
Because they way your bank accounts and beneficiaries are set up override what your Will or Trust state, it’s crucial to ensure they coordinate with your plan. Burch Law offers comprehensive guidance.
-
Assistance with Document Signing
It is crucial that Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney are signed in accordance with Texas law or else they won’t work! Burch Law provides in-house notaries and witnesses or can assist with remote signings.
-
Provision of Original & Electronic Documents
Burch Law provides both original and digital copies via a client portal.
-
Succession Plan for Firm’s Continuity
Burch Law has multiple attorneys and emergency plans for ongoing client support.
-
Charges for Plan Updates
Burch Law offers a yearly subscription, The C.Y.A. Plan - Cover Your Assets, that includes discounts or complimentary updates.
-
Periodic Plan Reviews
The C.Y.A. Plan includes various membership levels from yearly to quarterly plan reviews. Visit thecyaplan.com for details.
-
Expertise in Asset Protection & Business Coordination
Burch Law has experts for business law, rental property protection, and integrating business interests with estate plans.
-
Filing of Deeds for Trusts & Real Estate
Burch Law ensures proper drafting and recording of deeds in Texas, with connections for out-of-state properties.
-
Clear Mission Statement
Burch Law's values and purpose are outlined in The Burch Law Difference.