Every adult in Florida should have a comprehensive estate plan. Yet, a survey cited by the AARP estimates that 6 in 10 people nationwide do not have an estate plan in place. Estate planning is about making preparations for the future. Beyond merely having an estate plan, you and your family need the right estate plan. Although do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be rewarding, they are not recommended for estate planning. Here, our Boca Raton estate planning lawyer highlights five reasons why you should not try to do your estate plan yourself.
- A Will Is Not Enough, and DIY Estate Planning Runs the Risk of Missing Documents
A will is a central part of any estate plan. That being said, a will, by itself, is not a comprehensive estate plan. Most people can benefit from other key estate planning documents—such as trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives. An estate planning lawyer will make sure that you have all of the right documents in place for your specific needs and goals.
- Template Legal Documents are Not Good Enough for Your Estate Plan
There is no shortage of template legal documents on the internet. However, these documents are often ineffective. Relying on a template estate planning document has the potential to create a lot of problems. It is always best to have customized estate planning documents that have been tailored to your situation.
- There are Strict Requirements that Must Be Followed for an Estate Plan to Be Valid
For a will and other estate planning documents, there are strict requirements that must be followed in Florida to ensure that the documents are actually accepted as legally valid. A DIY approach to estate planning dramatically increases the risk that your documents will be challenged or otherwise run into problems.
- You and Your Family Deserve Full Peace of Mind
Making your affairs in such a way that you and your loved ones are properly protected—no matter what the future holds—is the goal of an estate plan. With guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney who understands the nuances of the law, you and your family will have full peace of mind.
- An Estate Plan Attorney is a Cost Effective Option
One of the temptations of taking the DIY approach to estate planning is to save money. However, doing so can cost you and your family a lot more money in the long run. There is good news: hiring an estate planning lawyer in South Florida is a cost effective option. Professional estate planning services are not cost prohibitive for Florida families.
Contact Our South Florida Estate Planning Attorney Today
At Loughlin Law, P.A., our Florida estate planning attorney offers specialized advice and assistance to individuals and families. If you have any questions about estate planning, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation. From our office in Boca Raton, we provide estate planning representation in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida.
