I have been looking around for an independent fee-only FA for when the time comes I will be unable to manage my own accounts. I found this which I thought lays it out well.
"Research the Financial Advisor’s Background
Make sure that the financial advisor holds necessary professional credentials such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other relevant titles. Also, verify their education and experience.
Search online databases like the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) to ensure your financial advisor is credible and competent.
Find out if they have had any disciplinary actions against them or if regulatory agencies like SEC or FINRA have ever suspended or revoked their licenses. You may use the SEC Action Lookup - Individuals(SALI) or FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool for this.
Ask Questions
A good advisor should be able to answer your questions clearly and accurately while providing specific examples of how they can help you reach your financial goals. Consider these questions:
What are your credentials?
Are you registered?
Are you a fiduciary?
How do you make your money?
What is your fee structure?
Are there any conflicts of interest I should know about?
What do you specialize in?
What other services do you offer?
When and how often will we meet?
Aside from money, how do you measure investment success?
Be sure you are confident with their answers before choosing an independent financial advisor."
From:
Independent Financial Advisor | Meaning, Pros, & Cons
Beyond the above I will want to be able to meet in person, at least initially, to see if we are simpatico. Too, are we a good fit, both in the size of my accounts, age, goals and other factors.
Call me a snob but my first cut is their educational background. Did they attend and do well at a top university, majoring in economics, business, mathematics or a hard science such as physics or chemistry? I want be able to evaluate their cognitive and analytical abilities.