Do It Yourself Wills
Do It Yourself Wills
With the wide variety of do-it-yourself will and estate planning options online, many Americans are wondering if they still need to work with an attorney. We are, of course, a bit biased here. The attorneys at KLG Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys have 40 years of experience, and we use every bit of it to guide our clients. We know how to create a solid estate plan. We know the pitfalls to avoid. We understand each critical decision. The question still remains: Can I really “do it myself”? As with many elements of estate planning, the answer is, “It depends on your unique circumstances and ultimate goals.” An individual with relatively straightforward goals and a small, simple estate may effectively accomplish their goals through a do-it-yourself, online service.
Consider this: if you get it wrong, what’s the cost? As you navigate online will resources, what if you miss basic instructions or details? What if you answer a necessary question incorrectly? What if your tax situation is unique and needs an expert eye? Failing to ensure every “i” is dotted could result in your would-be beneficiaries spending a huge sum of money to contest your will in court. Your will encompasses everything from naming guardians for your children to ensuring your spouse is cared for; from distributing the fruits of your life’s work to your beneficiaries to ensuring your funeral arrangements and wishes are carried out. It’s not an instrument to take lightly or leave to chance.
If you’re still questioning the validity of these services and wondering if they’re right for you, consider looking at it from a different perspective. What other services in your life have you been willing to take out of the hands of a qualified expert? Did you perform all the needed maintenance work on your vehicles? Did you prepare and file your own taxes? Did you replace your own roof? Did you provide your own medical treatment? For the big items in life, we often turn to experts because the cost of getting it wrong is simply too high. This rings true for estate planning. In fact, the stakes are even higher because you won’t have an opportunity to rectify a mistake or misstep.
In the same way that your estate consists of many of your life’s achievements and successes, our firm and the experience we have is the pride of each and every one of our team members. Getting your estate planning right is our life’s work. We act as your eyes to ensure all documents are flawless, your ears to ensure all questions are answered and all potential financial implications are addressed, and your heart to ensure all your wishes are carried out. We’re here to provide an overview of the process so you know what to expect, to answer all of your questions, and to work with you to create a comprehensive estate plan that will serve you and your family well. At KLG Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys, it’s what we do.