If we’re being honest, we hardly think about what happens when we’re gone in terms of wills and trusts. And when we do think about it, we try to avoid the stress of working with a reliable estate planning lawyer, so we rather grab an online template as an easy solution.
Well, that may seem like an easy solution but trying to set an estate plan on your own can lead to some serious problems down the line. So, before you decide to do it on your own, read this article to the end and learn what can happen if you don’t use an estate planning lawyer. Read on:
The Illusion of Simplicity
Most online kits and templates make estate planning look easy since all you have to do is fill some blank spaces, sign the form and relax thinking you already have a will.
But here’s the thing; estate laws vary across different states and they change. Something as simple as using the wrong number of witnesses (or having the wrong people be witnesses ) could make your will invalid.
What Can Go Wrong Without a Lawyer?
A lot can go wrong if you don’t use an estate planning lawyer for your wills and trust. Below are some of the common problems people run into:
- Incomplete or invalid documents; those templates you find online might be missing some important legal information.
- Family drama because the will is not detailed with clear instructions and this can lead to legal battles.
- Some properties might be left out because they were not titled properly and not included in the will, so they might not go where you want them to. This is especially risky when it comes to land and real estate — the importance of estate planning when passing down landed property becomes very clear when you consider how easily such assets can become the source of family disputes or legal complications.
- Life changes fast; you may experience marriage, divorces, or even legal battles and these changes cannot be reflected in an online Will template.
- Errors in your paperwork can drag your estate through a long court process, something a lawyer could have helped you avoid.
You Might Be Missing Out on Smart Legal Moves
Estate planning lawyers do more than draft documents, they also help you make strategic plans.
They can show you how to:
- Reduce taxes on your estate
- Set up trusts to protect your children’s inheritance
- Safeguard your assets from creditors
- Plan for long-term care or Medicaid eligibility
These are the kind of things you can’t enjoy from choosing to fill an online form instead of working with an estate planning lawyer.
Peace of mind and protection
You must understand that there’s more to hiring an estate planning lawyer than signing paperwork, it’s about the peace of mind it brings. It’s about knowing that your plan is solid, your wishes are clear and your family won’t be left dealing with legal issues on top of their grief.
Conclusion
It’s very possible for you to draft your own will without a lawyer but that doesn’t mean you should. Investing in an estate planning lawyer can save your loved ones time, stress and a lot of money later. If you’re serious about estate planning (and you should), do yourself, and your family the favor of talking to a qualified estate planning lawyer and you’ll not regret it.