Estate Planning Attorney vs. Online Forms
Aug. 19, 2022
Nowadays, people use the internet to do an increasing number of tasks. Creating an estate plan is one of those tasks that you can do online. We understand why some people prefer to use online forms to create an estate plan. The ease, convenience, and relatively low cost often look very appealing. However, the legal value of online forms or DIY estate planning is rather questionable.
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, contact an estate planning attorney to discuss your options. As an estate planning attorney, I assist clients with developing enforceable and comprehensive estate plans tailored to their specific goals, needs, and circumstances. With an office in Columbia, Missouri, I serve the needs of clients throughout the state, including Boonville, Jefferson City, and Fulton.
Why Estate Planning Is Important
Estate planning is crucial at every stage of life. Contrary to popular belief, even those who do not have significant wealth can benefit from developing an estate plan. Some of the reasons why estate planning is essential include:
Your wishes will be known to your loved ones.
You can avoid or simplify the probate process with a well-crafted plan.
You can reduce estate taxes.
You can protect your interests and assets if you become incapacitated.
You can prevent conflicts and disputes in the family.
Understandably, no one wants to think about death. However, it is crucial to think about how you can protect your legacy and loved ones after you are gone. Yes, estate planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but you can eliminate the stress by seeking legal counsel. An estate planning attorney can provide critical guidance and peace of mind when helping you navigate the process.
Online Forms vs. Estate Planning Attorney
The estate planning attorney vs. online form debate has been around for years. After all, people want to save money and simplify estate planning as much as possible. However, there are multiple reasons why hiring an attorney to help you with an estate plan makes more sense than using online forms for DIY estate planning.
You must ensure that your estate plan complies with applicable laws. All states have specific requirements that must be followed when executing an estate plan. If you create an estate plan in Missouri, your estate plan must conform to Missouri state law. The problem with online forms is that they may fail to meet specific legal requirements. As a result, you may end up with an estate plan that is not enforceable and valid.
You will most likely have to make changes to your estate plan. It is not uncommon for people to modify their estate plans over time. In fact, it is advisable to make periodic reviews of an estate plan to ensure that it reflects your current assets, wishes, and objectives. An estate planning attorney can help you modify an existing estate plan to make sure that your documents are enforceable and legally binding after the revisions are made. With DIY estate planning, you may not know how to make changes to your estate plan.
You will get reliable legal advice. One of the primary reasons why hiring an estate planning attorney is more beneficial than using online forms is that you will get informed guidance and legal advice when drafting your estate plan. When you use online forms, you may not be aware of all the legal options available to you.
You can be certain that your estate planning documents are in a secure place. When you create an estate plan with the help of an attorney, your attorney will safeguard your documents. Your attorney can keep an electronic copy of your estate plan, which can be crucial if the original document is misplaced, lost, or destroyed.
If you no longer think that using online forms to create an estate plan is a good idea, speak with an estate planning attorney to get started on your documents right away.
Seek Knowledgeable Legal Guidance
If you need help drafting an estate plan, contact me to pursue legal direction. As an estate planning attorney based in Columbia, Missouri, I help individuals and families make plans for the future. I strongly believe that a good estate plan is personally tailored to each client’s unique situation, goals, and needs. Get a free consultation by reaching out to my office today. I also serve clients in Jefferson City, Fulton, and Boonville, Missouri.