Why You Should Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer

 

Have you ever wondered why hiring an estate planning lawyer makes sense when anyone can download a Revocable Trust form from the internet or shop for a Last Will and Testament at an office supply store?  While standardized forms or online templates may seem convenient and cost-effective, using a lawyer to handle your estate planning offers several crucial benefits and safeguards. Here's why it is advisable to work with a lawyer for your estate plan rather than relying solely on a computer-generated form:

1.      Legal expertise and personalized advice: Estate planning involves complex legal concepts and considerations. An experienced estate planning attorney has in-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and strategies. She can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, goals, and family dynamics. She can help you navigate through the complexities of estate planning, identify potential issues, and offer solutions that best protect your interests and those of your beneficiaries.  An estate planning attorney licensed in your state can ensure that your plan complies with all applicable laws and maximizes the benefits available to you and your beneficiaries, while reducing the chances of your wishes being challenged or invalidated in the future.

2.      Comprehensive assessment of your situation: Estate planning involves more than just drafting documents. A lawyer will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, including your assets, family structure, and any special considerations. She can ask important questions to uncover potential challenges or opportunities that a computer-generated form may overlook. This comprehensive assessment ensures that your estate plan accurately reflects your wishes and covers all necessary aspects of your life.

3.      Explanation of potentially confusing concepts: Estate planning law can involve complex ideas and be filled with complicated terminology.  An experienced estate planning attorney will know how to interpret these concepts and explain the laws and issues relating to all aspects of estate planning to you in a clear, coherent way. You can ask questions on the spot as they occur to you, and the lawyer can explain the legal jargon and provide real-life examples to help you grasp the meaning and implications of the legal concepts involved. 

4.      Customization and flexibility: Estate planning documents should be customized to meet your specific needs and objectives. While a computer-generated form may provide a basic template, it may not address your unique situation adequately. A lawyer can tailor your estate plan to include specific provisions, such as trusts for minor children, charitable giving, special needs planning, or business succession. She can also modify the plan as your circumstances change over time, providing flexibility to accommodate evolving needs.

5.      Legal protection and recourse: Estate planning documents prepared with the assistance of a lawyer enjoy an added layer of legal protection. Lawyers have professional liability insurance, adhere to ethical standards, and are held accountable for their work. In the unlikely event of errors or disputes, you have legal recourse and the ability to seek professional assistance to rectify the situation.

While computer-generated forms or online templates may serve as starting points for understanding estate planning concepts, they cannot replace the expertise and personalized guidance that a qualified estate planning lawyer can provide. Estate planning is a significant and highly personal matter, and working with a professional ensures that your wishes are properly documented, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of.