Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney? These 6 National Groups Matter Most

For years, we have been building a free membership directory for probate attorneys, but most of our referrals go to local bar associations. We make referrals to attorneys when probate bond applicants do not already have one. While these directories are not specific to probate, they include attorneys who are well qualified to handle probate matters.

When it comes to estate planning, choosing the right attorney is about more than credentials. It’s also about knowing which professional networks and organizations they belong to. These groups can indicate an attorney’s dedication to the craft, their access to continuing education, and their ability to collaborate with other experts.

Below is a comparative guide to the leading national estate planning attorney organizations in the U.S. Some of these groups offer formal certifications, while others focus on education, resources, and referrals.

Please note: This information is accurate as of the time of writing. We recommend verifying details with the organizations directly and letting us know if any updates are needed.

National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC)
Website: https://www.naepc.org
Founded: 1962
Members: Around 30,000 via 270+ local councils, plus 2,000+ credentialed individuals
Type: Certification and Education
Certifications: Offers the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation and the Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) certification
Certification Requirements: AEP requires a professional credential (e.g. JD), 5+ years of experience, and references. EPLS is a board certification for attorneys requiring experience, CLE hours, peer review, and passing an exam.
Costs: AEP application is $350 with $175 annual dues. EPLS costs around $600 to apply and $300 annually.
Directory: Yes. Search by name or location at https://www.naepc.org/designations/estate_planners/search

Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Website: https://www.step.org
Founded: 1991
Members: 22,000 globally, including several hundred in the U.S.
Type: Certification and Education
Certification: TEP designation (Trust and Estate Practitioner)
Requirements: TEP status requires exams or proof of equivalent experience and qualifications. Often includes attorneys, CPAs, and trust officers.
Costs: Around $430 annually in the U.S., with additional exam or course fees for those without preexisting credentials
Directory: Yes. Global member directory at https://www.step.org/directory/members

ABA Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section (ABA RPTE)
Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/
Founded: Section dates to mid-20th century
Members: Over 16,000
Type: Educational (no certification)
Requirements: ABA membership, no designation offered
Costs: Approximately $75 per year for section membership, in addition to ABA dues
Directory: No dedicated public directory

WealthCounsel
Website: https://www.wealthcounsel.com
Founded: 1997
Members: Around 5,000 estate planning attorneys
Type: Educational and Practice Resources (no certification)
Requirements: Membership provides access to software, CLE, and training. No designation.
Costs: Roughly $400 to $500 per month plus startup fees
Directory: Yes. Consumer-facing directory at https://www.estateplanning.com

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
Website: https://www.actec.org
Founded: 1949
Members: About 2,400 attorneys and professors
Type: Educational and Honorary Society (no public certification)
Requirements: Peer nomination, 10+ years experience, high integrity, and contributions to the field
Costs: Annual dues (not publicly posted)
Directory: Yes. Search for Fellows at https://www.actec.org/find-a-lawyer

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA)
Website: https://www.aaepa.com
Founded: 1993
Members: Approximately 150 law firms (exclusive by territory)
Type: Educational and Directory (no public certification)
Requirements: Attorneys must complete 36 hours of CLE in estate or elder law topics each year to maintain membership
Costs: Typically around $2,500 per month plus onboarding fees
Directory: Yes. Find members at https://aaepa.com/member-listing/

These organizations offer attorneys access to peer learning, continuing education, document systems, and client referrals. Some attorneys may belong to multiple groups to gain a broader range of benefits.

Whether you’re searching for a certified estate planning expert or simply want to understand the credentials listed on your attorney’s website, this list is a helpful place to start.

Source Links:
https://www.naepc.org
https://www.naepc.org/designations/estate_planners/search
https://www.aaepa.com
https://www.aaepa.com/find-an-attorney/
https://www.actec.org
https://www.actec.org/find-a-lawyer
https://www.wealthcounsel.com
https://www.estateplanning.com
https://www.step.org
https://www.step.org/directory/members
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/

Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and not affiliated with any of the organizations mentioned.