How can I ensure I’m speaking with the correct attorney specialized in trust and estate matters through the referral service?
Detailed Answer
When you use a North Carolina State Bar referral service to find an attorney, you want confidence that the person you speak with handles trust and estate matters regularly. The referral service itself collects basic information on each participating attorney’s licensing and stated practice areas. Still, you can take additional steps to confirm you reach a lawyer qualified for your needs.
1. Verify Licensing and Standing
Every attorney who practices in North Carolina must hold an active law license under N.C. Gen. Stat. §84-4. Visit the North Carolina State Bar website at ncbar.gov and use the Attorney Search feature. Enter the attorney’s name or bar number to check:
- License status (active, inactive, suspended)
- Date of admission to the bar
- Any disciplinary history
2. Confirm Practice Focus
Ask the attorney directly whether they devote a significant portion of their practice to trust and estate matters—estate planning, trust drafting and administration, and probate. A clear, affirmative answer shows they routinely handle these legal areas.
3. Look for Board Certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law
Board certification through the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization indicates an attorney has met rigorous training and peer review standards. You can confirm certification at the Board’s website: ncbls.org. While certification is voluntary, it demonstrates specialized training in trust and estate law.
4. Ask About Relevant Experience
Trust and estate law involves complex rules under the North Carolina Uniform Trust Code (Chapter 36C) and the North Carolina Probate Code (Chapter 28A). Ask the attorney to describe recent cases or transactions, such as drafting living trusts or guiding families through probate administration under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-2-1. Their depth of examples shows real-world experience.
5. Review Client Feedback and References
Past client reviews and professional references can shed light on the attorney’s communication style, responsiveness and success in handling estates and trusts. Don’t hesitate to ask the attorney for references or to point you toward online reviews specific to trust and estate work.
6. Discuss Fees and Engagement Terms
Trust and estate matters often involve flat fees for drafting documents and hourly rates for administration or probate work. Request a written fee agreement that outlines:
- Scope of services (e.g., will and trust drafting, probate representation)
- Billing rates and retainer requirements
- Estimated total cost or range
A clear agreement helps you compare attorneys and avoid surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Use the North Carolina State Bar website to confirm an attorney’s active license under N.C. Gen. Stat. §84-4.
- Verify that trust and estate matters make up a significant portion of their practice.
- Check for Board Certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law at ncbls.org.
- Ask for examples of recent estate planning, trust administration or probate cases.
- Read client reviews and request professional references.
- Obtain a detailed, written fee agreement before engaging services.
Contact Pierce Law Group
If you need clear, reliable guidance in trust and estate matters, turn to Pierce Law Group. Our attorneys focus their practices on estate planning, trust administration and probate. Email us at intake@piercelaw.com or call (919) 341-7055 to schedule your consultation today.
