Jonathan Clements, who pens the “Getting Going” column for the WSJ, writes “Due Diligence: The Five Key Rules
To Heed Before Hiring a Financial Adviser” (subs. req.). Here’s a brief of his advice for hiring a financial adviser:

1) Use a fee-only adviser.
2) Work with someone who has credentials, such as a Certified Financial Planner and can also assist with your entire financial picture (debt, mortgages, etc.).
3) Avoid using an adviser who won’t committ to acting as a fiduciary.
4) Pay attention to your adviser’s fees, as well as the fees on the investment products that they recommend.