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How to Interview a Potential Estate Planner Checklist

Choosing the right estate planner is a crucial step in securing your financial future and protecting your loved ones. A well-prepared interview helps you evaluate their expertise, communication style, and suitability for your needs. Use this checklist to ask the right questions and make an informed decision.

  • What certifications or licenses do you hold (e.g., CFP, JD, CPA)?
  • How many years of experience do you have in estate planning?
  • Do you specialize in any specific areas, such as trusts, tax planning, or elder law?
  • How many clients have you worked with who have similar needs to mine?

  • Do you provide comprehensive estate planning, or do you focus on specific services?
  • Will you help create a will, trusts, and healthcare directives?
  • Do you offer assistance with probate or updating estate plans over time?
  • Are you familiar with state-specific laws that may impact my estate plan?

  • How do you prefer to communicate with clients (e.g., in-person, email, phone)?
  • How often will we meet to review or update my estate plan?
  • Will I work directly with you or with other members of your team?
  • How do you ensure your clients understand the estate planning process?

  • What is your fee structure (e.g., flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of assets)?
  • Are there additional costs for ongoing support or plan updates?
  • Can you provide a detailed estimate of the total cost of your services?
  • Do you offer payment plans or options for bundling services?

  • How do you ensure my estate plan reflects my personal and financial goals?
  • What strategies do you use to minimize taxes and protect assets?
  • How do you handle sensitive family dynamics or conflicts?
  • Do you incorporate digital assets and online accounts into the estate plan?

  • Are you available for urgent questions or updates?
  • How quickly do you typically respond to client inquiries?
  • Do you offer online tools or platforms to manage documents and updates?
  • What happens if you are unavailable (e.g., during emergencies or transitions)?

  • Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
  • Have you worked with clients who had similar estate planning needs to mine?
  • Are there any success stories you can share about how your plans have worked in practice?

  • How often do you recommend reviewing or updating the estate plan?
  • Do you provide reminders or offer a system for regular reviews?
  • What is your process for making updates or changes to the plan?

  • What is your philosophy or approach to estate planning?
  • How do you tailor plans to meet unique family or financial circumstances?
  • What sets you apart from other estate planners in the field?
  • Are you willing to collaborate with my financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional?

  • What is the process for starting with you as a client?
  • Are there specific documents or information I should prepare before the first meeting?
  • Do you have a written engagement agreement outlining your responsibilities and fees?
  • What are the first steps we’ll take together to create my estate plan?

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