Problems and Pitfalls of a Do-It-Yourself Will

Almost everything can be found on the Internet today, including Do-It-Yourself (DIY) online wills. DIY online wills are boilerplate forms of a Last Will & Testament, one of the most important documents we will prepare in our lifetimes. Many people see DIY online wills as a cheaper, easier alternative to hiring an estate planning attorney. However, the boilerplate documents that DIY sites provide can lead to expensive and unpleasant estate planning mistakes. The money you save now on a DIY form could end up costing your estate and/or your heir's money later. The will can be contested or found to be invalid because it wasn't written with enough clarity.

In matters consisting of complex issues, like blended families or business ownership, DIY estate planning can cause more problems than they solve. As estate planning attorneys, St. Clair & Associates, PLLC are trained to personalize our service to your unique situation and wishes. You may need to preserve assets for long-term medical care, protect your home from creditors, from a lawsuit, or a divorce. These are examples of why a trusts and estates attorney trained in this area of law can give you what an online form cannot.

The power to express our wishes is what good estate planning is all about. Well-drafted and thorough documents providing detailed instructions are critical to avoid court involvement, to reduce administrative confusion, and to know when the executor's job is done. You spend your life working hard for what you have, why not protect your assets? Take control of your legacy and let the knowledgeable and compassionate staff at St. Clair & Associates, PLLC help guide you through the estate planning process and ensure that your end-of-life wishes are heard and honored.