Ready to Write Your Will? Consider This Before Doing It Alone or Online

When people think of estate planning, a last will and testament is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While a will is an important document, it’s only one piece of a comprehensive plan designed to protect your loved ones and keep them out of court and conflict when something happens to you.

You might think that writing your own will or using an online service is a simple and cost-effective solution. However, the reality is that DIY estate planning can lead to serious problems down the road. Without professional guidance, you could overlook key legal considerations, leaving your family to deal with unnecessary stress, legal fees, and even court battles.

It’s important to remember that estate planning isn’t just about what happens when you pass away – it also addresses what happens if you become incapacitated. If you rely solely on a will, your family may still need to go through probate court, which can be time-consuming and expensive. In many cases, a trust is a better option for keeping your assets protected and avoiding court proceedings.

If you have minor children, a will alone may not be enough to ensure their full protection. A proper estate plan should include a?Kids Protection Plan, which names both short-term and long-term guardians and provides clear instructions for their care. Without these legal safeguards, your children could be placed in the care of strangers, even temporarily, while the court determines who should take custody.

A well-prepared estate plan starts with understanding what you own and making sure those assets are properly structured to avoid unnecessary legal complications. It’s also about ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are supported, without leaving them to navigate a confusing legal process.

If you’re ready to create your will, that’s a great first step – but don’t do it alone. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney?ensures that your plan is legally sound, keeps your family out of court, and truly protects everything and everyone you love. The biggest mistake you can make is avoiding estate planning altogether. The second biggest mistake is trying to handle it without the right guidance.

At Cheever Law, APC, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.

To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services,?contact us?or?schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call?today.