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To find the right estate planning advisor, the first question you have to ask yourself is: "Who really cares?"

This is a vital question, because the "average Joe/Jane" thinks only about how it will affect them. That is: What will it cost? How long will it take? How uncomfortable will it be? However, estate planning won't really pay off when you can see it. The real reason for planning is those whom you leave behind. This is important because it should affect your choice in your estate planning advisor(s).

The right estate planning advisors will look at "The 5 P's" - People, Property, Plans, Planners, and Priorities. But more importantly, they will look at the inter-play between all of them to craft the best, inclusive plan.

While you can certainly include as many of your professional advisors as you wish, there can only be one 'lead' and that has to be you. The key to any successful advisor relationship is to keep in mind you are paying for advice and in most cases you would do well to heed it. However, you must also remember "they" work for you.

With that in mind, some things to look for in any professional worth your time and confidence:
A willingness to talk to you initially without the clock running (at no cost).
An interest in you and your goals.
Exhibited ability to present complex terms and concepts in simple language.
Does not 'talk-down' to you (especially when presenting those same complex terms).
Committed to your understanding of proposed plans-none of this "trust me" stuff.
In the initial conversation asks you about the "big 4"- Last Will & Testament,
Living Will, Durable General Power-of-Attorny, and Durable Medical
Power-of-Attorney.
Most important of all: You trust them and feel comfortable with them. Remember for
the plan to accomplish what it needs to accomplish and truly benefit those you
leave behind, you have to share a lot of very personal information with this
person.

While an Attorney should always be part of your advisor team, you may also want to consider the following:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Insurance Agent (the more letters after his/her name the better)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Charitable Gift Specialist

You should look for the same qualities in all professions, with the addition of competence in their own field. Need help finding someone in a field? Ask another member in your advisor team. For example, your CPA probably knows and has worked with Attorneys who they could recommend.

Remember, no matter how far along in the process you are, you must always be comfortable with the plan and have confidence in those offering their counsel. In the end, you are doing all this work to save it from those you leave behind who are also grieving your loss.

One last point, the advice doesn't matter if you don't take action. Whatever the personalized plan is for you, you have to execute it, then review it regularly.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Mcgown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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