Can't I just write my own Estate Plan online?

Many of these standardized, cookie-cutter legal products advertise low prices and a simple estate planning process.  However, a premade fillable form will not provide you with the time and expertise it requires to specially tailor your estate plan to the nuances of your unique circumstances. Only an experienced attorney can provide you with the effective, suitable set of documents that will meet your particular estate planning needs.

 Here are a few of the most notable reasons to hire an attorney rather than purchase a premade form:

1.     Premade forms do not account for your specific situation. Their nature is to apply generally to all circumstances, which comes at the price of applying well to very few individual situations. This forest-over-trees approach renders these products potentially ineffective or even actively detrimental to your desires.

2.     Laws are not static. They change frequently, and you can count on an experienced attorney to keep up with these changes in order to accurately and effectively meet her clients’ needs. Meanwhile, a premade form may fail to accurately reflect or properly apply a recently changed law in your state, leaving your wishes for your estate unfulfilled.

3.     The companies that sell these products affirm that they are no substitute for an experienced attorney. Their disclaimers often state that they are not in fact, authorized to practice law; that their forms are not guaranteed to be up to date; that their information should not be considered reliable legal advice; and that their services are never a substitute for the services of an attorney.

4.     Customers of these companies oftentimes report poor customer service, ineffective legal services, and questionable business practices.  Meanwhile, when you hire an experienced attorney, you can expect personalized service, expert legal assistance, and transparency regarding payment and services rendered.

Though these products may seem like a bargain, they may result in an ineffective and troublesome estate plan with financial consequences.  Gant Law, LLC can expertly tailor your estate plan to your unique situation so you can effectively protect and preserve your assets in the way that works best for your unique estate and your specific desires. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.