Many people like to save money and save time. They are looking for a fast and cheap way to accomplish their goals. Doing estate planning with an online do-it-yourself program or website may seem enticing and looks like the quick, easy, and affordable option you are looking for… However, there are far too many estate planning nightmares consisting of do-it-yourself documents. Save your family the scare and headache of handling your estate with inadequate and incorrect estate planning documents. In this blog I will cover the dangers of planning your estate all on your own and also the benefits of working with an attorney.

 

Dangers of Do-it-yourself or Online Estate Planning Forms

Do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning is a dangerous game to play. DIY estate planning is not individualized. Estate planning may seem simple, but there are complex legal concepts that need to be analyzed and applied to each individual and to each set of circumstances. No two individuals are exactly the same, and no two estate plans are alike.

Online estate planning programs do not consider your unique circumstances.  It doesn’t consider things that an experienced estate planning attorney would know.  It only considers your knowledge of what you should put in your estate plan. Often, there are other options or additional terms that you need to be sure you are getting exactly what you want.

Having an incomplete or invalid estate plan can lead to a host of issues. Poorly drafted documents can lead to confusion and disagreements among heirs and family members during an already difficult time.  Invalid documents may lead to your assets being distributed in ways you did not intend or want. Failing to address tax implications can leave your heirs with unexpected financial burdens.

You’re likely going to end up spending more money after you discover the errors to have an attorney fix your estate plan for you. It usually costs more money for an attorney to correct legal mistakes than it does to have an attorney draft the documents correctly from the beginning. It’s often a better route to just have an estate planning attorney completely restart your estate plan than have them modify an existing plan.

Most people do not realize their estate plan was lacking something critical or was done incorrectly until after they pass, and then it is too late to fix the problem. Your heirs will be responsible to try to correct the mistake or else they are left with no estate plan at all, and the state laws dictate where your assets will go.

 

Benefits of Working With an Attorney

People think they know what they want, but after talking with an experienced estate planning attorney they often discover tools they never considered in their estate plan. An estate plan has many foundational documents or tools within the plan. Just to name a few there is a living trust, medical directive, and a power of attorney. Seeking legal advice is invaluable to be sure you are using the correct documents or tools.

An attorney will help you consider all the legal implications for your wishes. They will help you decide things that would work better for your beneficiaries. They help you look at not only the legal side of things, but also look at the family dynamics and financial situation of each client to help navigate the many options and tools available to you and help you choose the right options.

An experienced estate planning attorney will discuss your goals with you so that you’re on track for the best path forward. Having an attorney help you step by step during the process will ensure your plan is legal, valid, and honors your wishes.

 

Don’t Leave Your Legacy To Chance

Don’t get caught with an incomplete, insufficient, or invalid estate plan. Be sure to get legal advice and make sure you understand all the options and tools available to you for your unique situation and assets. Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Take the first step today and call me or click below to start creating your unique plan.