In today’s complex legal and tax world, choosing the right professional advisers is crucial.
If you have advisers with whom you are comfortable, you are a blessed individual. If not, here
are three questions to ask to help you find the right partners.
Can I trust you?
The number one criterion in selecting a professional adviser is finding someone you can trust.
An individual may be professionally competent and charge reasonable fees. However, if you do
not trust them enough to act upon their advice, they are not a good fit.
While trust is built over time, not in a single introductory meeting or phone call, credibility can
still be shared. Ask a wise friend who they go to for professional advice. Or ask a current trusted
adviser to recommend another they have found to be trustworthy.
Do you really care about me, or are you just in it for the money?
Does the adviser look at his or her profession as a vehicle of service to others, or do they
provide the bare minimum to collect a paycheck? Working with someone who is committed to
helping you achieve your agenda is vital.
Evaluate a potential adviser by their skill in listening. When an adviser takes time to understand
your goals and objectives and is able to provide advice and help to accomplish those goals and
objectives, that’s a good sign that you’ve found a strong partner.
Are you technically competent?
Taxation is complex, and the legal implications of an estate plan or property transfer can also
be very complex. Professional planners must be more than just nice or good listeners—they
must be technically competent to help you navigate your options wisely.
Do your homework on potential advisers—read their website or marketing material to learn
about them. Treat an introductory meeting like a friendly job interview, and identify a few
questions you’d like to ask to gauge an adviser’s competence. If an adviser feels offended when
you ask about their credentials, that could be a reason to move on. If an adviser is glad to share
about their services and experience, they may be a good fit.
Build a team.
When you find a trustworthy adviser, ask for their recommendations for partners in other
disciplines. As you build your team, everyone can work closely to help you achieve your
financial and estate plan goals. As Solomon said in Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail with no counsel,
but with many counselors they succeed” (NIV).
