Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc.

Le décès d'un être cher peut signifier que vous devrez trouver un avocat pour vous aider dans le processus de règlement de la succession. Bien qu'il ne soit pas nécessaire qu'un avocat prépare une directive préalable, il peut être avantageux d'en faire préparer un testament ou tout autre document lié à la succession.

Nous avons quelques suggestions pour vous aider à trouver le meilleur avocat pour fournir le type de services juridiquesvous avez besoin:

• Pensez à la spécialisation. Vous n'avez pas besoin de n'importe quel avocat; vous recherchez une personne ayant de l'expérience dans un aspect particulier de la loi.
• Demande autour de toi. Il n'y a rien de tel qu'un renvoi personnel d'une personne en qui vous avez confiance. Parlez à vos amis, votre famille, vos collègues et vos voisins pour voir s'ils peuvent recommander un avocat ayant la bonne expertise.
• Contactez l'association du barreau locale. Il aura un répertoire de tous les avocats en exercice dans votre région.
• Visitez les sites Web d'aide juridique - ces organisations peuvent vous fournir des références fiables et des services de consultation juridique.

At this point, you should have a list of four or five recommended local attorneys. Now it's time to make that first call. You should first ask to set up a face-to-face meeting but be aware that many attorneys charge for this introductory session. That's why your first question should be:

• Do you charge for the initial visit?

If you do agree to a face-to-face meeting, it's important to ask the following questions but be observant too. Look around: is the office organized? Is he or she listening closely to what you have to say? What is your gut feeling to what you're seeing and hearing? Trust your intuition; if you don't feel you are a good match, then move on to the next attorney on your list.

The questions to ask in your initial interview are:

• Do you specialize in my type of case?
• Do you have any special credentials?
• Exactly who will handle my case; the attorney or a paralegal?
• Who will be my point-of-contact?
• What's the preferred way to communicate with your office?
• Will I be billed for phone calls and email correspondence with either the attorney or staff?
• How will I be informed about any progress in my case?
• How will fees be calculated? Hourly, contingency, or flat fee? If I will be billed hourly, will I be required to pay for portions of an hour?
• What expenses am I responsible for?
• How often can I expect to receive a bill?
• Is advance payment required? What happens to that money if I terminate the case before it's resolved?
• Will I receive copies of all documents pertaining to my case?

When you're satisfied you've found the right attorney at the right price, always ask for a written agreement and read it thoroughly. If you have questions about what you've read, ask them before you sign.

Sources:
Liz Davidson, "How to Find a Good Lawyer When You Really Need One" 
Consumer Reports, "When You Need to Lawyer Up"
Henry, Alan, "How to Find a Reputable Lawyer"