Do I Have to Use an Estate Planning Attorney?

A lot of individuals these days are trying to save money, and when it comes to estate planning, most individuals want to know whether or not they truly need an estate planning attorney. Thanks to the Internet, no-cost Wills and online documents are available for couples and individuals to create a Will without the assistance of an estate planning attorney. However, before doing so, a person needs to understand the disadvantages that go along with that choice.

No Guarantee

Often those online estate planning documents are outdated. As a result, an individual can fill out a document that does not pertain to their state laws or even federal tax laws, which means their estate planning will be incomplete. Furthermore, without an estate planning attorney, individuals may forget key requirements of no-cost Wills, such as witness signatures, which will void the Will in court.

Guidance and Counseling

Estate planning attorneys do not just fill out the paperwork; they provide guidance and counseling for an estate. Estate planning attorneys can help individuals fill out Durable Power of Attorney documents, pick an executor, list heirs, or even find the value of assets. Furthermore, an estate planning attorney provides expertise and attention to detail that will ensure an individual’s wishes are carried out after death.

Estate planning attorneys understand the issues that go along with Wills and Trusts. Therefore, hiring an estate planning official ensures not only that forms are filled out properly, but that common errors are avoided and the estate is taken care of the way the individual intended it to be.

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Ellen LaPlante

Ellen LaPlante is an attorney whose mission is to provide clients with guidance in Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid Preparation. She is barred in Vermont and New York. Ellen helps clients put together unique estate plans, including assistance with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives. She also works with clients on Medicaid Planning and qualifying for Medicaid assistance.

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