How do I find a lawyer?

[pd24]

My wife and I want to have wills done. Neither one of us knows a lawyer or has had any dealings with one, so we don't know where to start. Suggestions?

 

[bevosayshi]

I would be interested in this as well.

 

[longhrnfan]

just ask around. usually best option, who did whos...

 

[MikeUT89]

"Legal zoom" would be a bad choice for all but the most simple of estates.

 

[NickDanger]

If you are just giving it all to your wife and vice versa it's awfully simple. Where are you? I'll be happy to ask around next week and give you some names if I can.

 

[DLev]

In reply to:

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[NickDanger]

I resemble being implemented in that conspiracy

 

[gohorns11921]

watch Cops from 4-5 am, there's plenty of lawyer commercials there.

 

[suttree]

The best lawyers trade exclusively on word of mouth. As you have already found, posting the question here is a good way to start. I know several good candidates in Houston who will set you up in a standard trust/will that will defeat estate taxes, and also take care of living will and medical power of attorney issues. The cost is reasonable, because they are basically forms.

The "do it yourself" ones terrify me. In order to draft a bulletproof will, you need to be an expert on several thigs: (1) state probate and trust law; (2) federal income tax; and (3) state living will and medical power of attorney. I don't think any do it yourself kit can possibly do that, anymore than I would be qualified to give you legal advice in a state besides Texas (and possible New Jersey).

 

[Bookman]

Walk around with a $100 bill pinned to your collar. Lawyers will be drawn to it.

 

[zork]

Obligatory: "follow the ambulances" reference. Sorry, my brother is a lawyer so it was all in fun.

 

[Mr. Football]

This guy does them, and he went to UT as well. Good guy.

 

[wolfman]

prepaid legal

 

[accuratehorn]

Go to a UT baseball game.

 

[RansomStoddard]

Word of mouth. Ask your friends who did theirs. And I second the guy who said beware of the 'do it yourself' kits. You wouldn't do most things yourself, why would you try to plan your estate? I'm not a fan of prepaid legal groups either. In my experience, you get the newest guy at some crappy firm because it's a volume business.