Why Lawyers are Better Than The Internet

One attorney lists 13 reasons why lawyers are better than online documents or online legal forms or computer programs. The reasons are below:

1. Listen to your goals and desires and incorporate them into your plan.
2. Offer advice, not just words on paper.
3. Help with referrals to other trusted professionals.
4. Make sure that the documents are properly executed.
5. Make sure that any trusts are properly funded.
6. Make sure that beneficiary designations are properly completed.
7. Makes sure that accounts and real estate are  properly titled.
8. Help with managing assets of incapacitated family members.
9. Help with probate and trust administration.
10. Help with income, gift and estate tax matters.
11. Help ensure governmental benefits for disabled or incapacitated family members.
12. Serve as an advocate in dealing with financial institution and governmental bodies.
13. Care about you and your family!

Gregg Herman-Giddens, Why Lawyers vs. The Internet — A Baker’s Dozen, North Carolina Estate Planning Blog, Jan. 13, 2012.