More Thoughts on DIY Estate Planning

As I have previously discussed, there are many problems with DIY Estate Planning and there are several reasons why it might be a good idea to consult with an attorney. However, there are few more arguments that a person might want to take into consideration.

• It is important to remember that an attorney, who is experienced in estate planning, might be a better option because the attorney would have the expertise needed to draft an estate plan that suits the needs of the client. In addition, the attorney would be better suited to manage and plan for the different types of assets that a person might own.
• On that note, attorneys can also counsel a client and their families, and help them work through sensitive decisions that a person would not otherwise receive from DIY Estate Planning.
• An attorney would be better suited to explain the testator’s intention if that intention is in dispute. 
• An attorney is also better suited to take into consideration tax issues, which require more careful planning.
• An attorney is also in better position to take into consideration changes in the law, especially when it comes to same-sex relationships and non-married couples.
• Most importantly, if a person takes the time and the money now to plan for the future, a person might save more money than if the person choose to make DIY Estate Planning documents. The costs associated with fixing the mistakes on the DIY Estate Planning documents would not be more than the costs of drafting a will.

See Wswendon, Online and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning, WisconsinTrustsandWills.com, May 16, 2012.

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