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Many attorneys who limit their practice to estate planning are values-based, relationship-driven, client-centered and counseling-oriented. And the good ones are willing to work together with other professionals on your behalf. They understand that thorough estate planning involves more than just legal advice. The key is to find those attorneys who meet this description.

So where do you find these rare creatures? How do you know if you’re dealing with the right kind of attorney? The right kind of attorney will have an orientation toward relationship-building and counseling rather than mere document preparation. The first thing he or she will offer is the ability to listen carefully to not only your goals – but also your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for yourself and your loved ones. The attorney will carry on a sensitive dialogue that will enable you to make clear your wishes to maintain control over your affairs, to be cared for properly in the event of a disability and to provide meaningfully for your loved ones after you are gone.

From The Wall Street Journal Online

WASHINGTON — The property value of U.S. homes will fall by $1.2 trillion, and “at least” 1.4 million homeowners will lose their properties to foreclosure in 2008, according to a study released Tuesday by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Council for the New American City.

The study, prepared by forecasting firm Global Insight Inc., predicts a widespread and deep economic impact from ongoing housing market problems, which many expect to stretch through next year.

Global Insight predicted that the economy would grow at a 1.9% rate in 2008, “a full percentage point lower than would have been the case without the mortgage crisis.” It also said U.S. gross domestic product growth would be $166 billion lower next year because of mortgage market problems, and that consumer spending would fall to 2% growth. The study also found that home price declines would average 7% in 2008, though it would be much higher — 16% — in California.

Local tax revenue is expected to be hit hard by falling home values. In California, property tax revenues are expected to have fallen by $2.96 billion last year, the study said. In Florida, property taxes revenues could fall by $589 million.

There have already been a record number of homeowners entering the foreclosure process this year, and many have warned the problems will continue through 2008. One major reason for this is subprime adjustable-rate mortgages, many of which began with low teaser rates but grow into much higher monthly requirements after several years. A high concentration of these loans are expected to become more expensive next year, and both the banking industry and government leaders are trying to find ways to address it.

The states where housing prices are expected to fall the most - such as California - are also the same places where housing prices jumped the most during the recent housing boom. Global Insight said the mortgage market’s economic impact could be “significantly contained” if investors and loan servicers agree to new payment terms with borrowers struggling to afford monthly payments.

In its study, Global insight predicted the real estate crisis of 2007 and 2008 would “go down on the record books,” but said it wouldn’t ultimately “bring the economy grinding to a halt.”

“Indeed, we expect job growth in 2008 to be 0.85% and GDP growth to be 1.9%,” the study said. “In 2009, those figures will be 1.2% and 2.9%, respectively. In the end, the economy will not come off the rails, and we may actually have learned something.”