retirement

What to Do When Your Estate Planning Attorney Retires, Relocates, or Passes Away

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You’ve taken the responsible steps—regular checkups with your doctor, staying active, eating right, and creating an estate plan with a trusted attorney. But just like any of us, attorneys experience life changes. They may move, retire, become ill, or pass away. So, what should you do if your estate planning attorney is no longer practicing?

Step One: Locate Your Estate Planning Documents
If your former attorney stored your original documents, act quickly to retrieve them. Law offices sometimes close suddenly, and you don’t want important items like your will or trust agreement lost in the transition. If the practice has merged or been taken over, the new firm may be able to help you recover your file.

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Step Two: Find a Qualified Estate Planning Attorney
If your previous attorney worked solo, the state bar may assign your file to another attorney—but this doesn’t guarantee that person has the same estate planning focus. Choosing your own replacement is key. Look for an attorney who dedicates their practice to estate planning and invests in continuing education. Organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys require 36+ hours of specialized training each year—far exceeding most state minimums.

Step Three: Review and Refresh Your Estate Plan
Your new attorney should take the time to get to know you and your family before reviewing your documents. Even if your current plan is recent, your goals, family structure, or financial situation may have changed. A fresh perspective may reveal more effective strategies to protect your legacy or reduce future complications.

Final Thoughts
Having a reliable professional in your corner is part of staying prepared. If your estate planning attorney is no longer available, take action promptly. By selecting a new attorney you trust, you’ll maintain peace of mind and keep your plan on solid ground.

McGee Law Firm is here to help you move forward with confidence. If your former attorney has retired or is no longer practicing, we’re ready to step in and support you with compassionate, personalized estate planning guidance. Schedule your free consultation at our Southlake or Fort Worth offices.

From the desk of Attorney Brandon McGee

Brandon McGee
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