WealthCounsel(R) Announces Results of 2008 Industry Survey to Attorneys Attending Estate Planning Conference in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Orlando World Center Marriott -- WealthCounsel, LLC announced today from the exhibit hall at the 43rd Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning the results of its second annual nationwide survey of estate planning attorneys. The company initiated the survey in 2007 for the purpose of monitoring the estate planning needs of consumers and identifying challenges facing attorney practitioners. Participation in the annual web-based survey is open to all estate planning attorneys.

Conducted in November 2008, the survey captured feedback from 514 respondents in 48 states on topics that included the anticipated market demand for services, the primary reasons that clients engage in estate planning, the greatest challenges attorneys are facing in their practices, and the types of publications they read.

Among the key findings were the following:

-- As in 2007, most respondents chose elder law as the primary estate planning industry shift over the next five years.

-- Attorneys noted that the primary reason clients seek their services is to avoid probate, followed by the desire to minimize estate taxes. Avoiding chaos upon their death, keeping children from mismanaging their inheritance, and asset protection were also major factors.

-- Net worth of the respondents' clients ranged from less than $500,000 to greater than $5 million.

-- Client generation and managing daily operations are major challenges for most attorneys.

-- Top factors important to attorneys in sustaining their businesses are having the support of family and friends, and an efficient document drafting system.

The next annual survey will be conducted in November 2009. Attorneys interested in participating should monitor WealthCounsel's website at http://www.wealthcounsel.com starting in October 2009 for instructions on how to participate.

The 22-page survey report will be available at the WealthCounsel booth at the Heckerling conference as well as on the web at http://www.wealthcounsel.com/WealthCounsel_2008_Industry_Trends_Survey.pdf For more information, send an email to marlene.frith@wealthcounsel.com.

About WealthCounsel(R)

WealthCounsel(R) is a registered trademark of WealthCounsel, LLC, a membership-based organization of more than 1,700 attorney practitioners located in all 50 states. The company is known for the WealthDocs(TM) drafting system and the Five Star Practice Solution(TM) designed to help attorneys practice with greater efficiency, profitability and confidence. WealthCounsel shares ownership in ElderCounsel, LLC, and The Advisors Forum, LLC.

SOURCE WealthCounsel, LLC

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