From unclogging a toilet to building a house, with the Internet and sites like YouTube being more popular than ever, you can pretty much figure out how to do anything yourself. This can prove extremely helpful when you want answers now – and want to save money in the process. However, it’s important to understand what you should – and shouldn’t – do yourself.
One thing you shouldn’t DIY: your estate plan. While you can easily find a DIY legal service provider and pay a good amount less for faster service, it doesn’t mean that it’s a wise option. In fact, many legal service providers have been sued for violating statutes preventing the unauthorized practice of law.
Consequences of a Poorly Drafted Estate Plan
Although it may seem easier to DIY, the consequences of a poorly drafted estate plan can be long-lasting and end up costing you more than you would have paid to have a contracted attorney help you in the first place.
Not only can errors in an estate plan negate your wishes, but also improper drafting can have a profound impact on many important things such as familial relationships and resentment, often culminating in legal action.
Not to mention that hiring an estate-planning attorney can help to diminish any doubt in terms of the legitimacy of your legal documents. He or she can ensure the best tax consequences for your estate plan and make sure that everything is done in a manner most favorable to you.
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Attorney
When trying to find the right attorney to help you create your estate plan, it’s important to keep a few guidelines in mind. The attorney that you hire should have extensive experience in estate planning; a large portion of his or her business should be dedicated to this practice of law. By finding someone who focuses on estate planning, you will be much more likely to find someone who knows the intricacies of issues that may arise.
One of the best ways to find the right attorney is to ask your friends and family for any referrals. Since they have no reason to lie to you, you can usually count on their recommendations to be legitimate.
If you don’t have family or friends who recommend anyone in particular, it’s a good idea to check with your state bar website to ensure that the lawyer you choose is licensed and in good standing. Also, be sure to check out the attorney’s website to make sure that estate planning is in fact a focus of the practice.
Heritage Legal, PC Helps Those in California to Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan
While you wish to do something thoughtful by leaving some of your assets to your loved ones, without taking the necessary steps it can actually do more harm than good. This is why it is in the best interest of you and your loved ones to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced California Estate Planning Attorney.
A qualified estate planning attorney can listen to your wishes, provide legal advice, and help to ensure that you have covered all of your bases in order to prevent any type of conflict between your loved ones when you are gone.
At Heritage Legal, PC, we understand the importance of protecting those whom you care about most and helping to ease the burden on your family. We can help you to create a comprehensive estate plan that fills all of your needs. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!