Problems With Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning

As I have previously discussed, there are many problems that could result with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning. To further add to the case against DIY Estate Planning, there are many benefits that one could obtain from speaking with a licensed attorney.

• First, DIY programs, such as LegalZoom, often to do not take into consideration laws that are specific to the state of where a client lives. An attorney would be able to explain and take into consideration these specific laws.
• Second, an attorney consultation could isolate issues that are unique to a client’s situation, and then draft documents that take into consideration these unique circumstances. 
• Third, a client might want to take into consideration that the attorney has years of experience, and would likely be better prepared to handle his or her unique situation.

See Todd C. Ratner, Esq., Beware The Danger of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning, Estate Planning Bits, May 25, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.