Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures the security of your family and assets when you pass away. However, many people are tempted to handle the task themselves using do-it-yourself (DIY) websites or forms. While these options may seem convenient and cost-effective, they can lead to numerous mishaps that can cause legal and financial problems for you and your loved ones.

One major issue with DIY estate planning is that the forms are not tailored to your state-specific laws and regulations. Many people don’t realize how specific estate planning documents can be, down to the notarization process. DIY websites and forms assume that you know the answers to legal questions, but they don’t provide the knowledge or expertise that an experienced attorney can offer.

We’ve seen cases where DIY estate planning forms have led to costly mistakes. In one instance, a child lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits because the form did not include language for special needs planning. This mistake could have been easily avoided if an experienced estate planning attorney had been consulted.

In another case, estate proceedings were delayed for four months because the forms were not notarized properly. A self-proving Will would have ensured that the document was legal and saved time and money. Unfortunately, the individual who was the notary was unavailable, and the estate faced several complications as a result.

At Bellomo & Associates, we strongly advise against DIY estate planning. It’s essential to take estate planning seriously and seek the expertise of a professional who specializes in this area of law. Our attorneys can provide personalized guidance and ensure your estate plan is tailored to your needs and state regulations. By investing in a professional, you can protect your family and assets and avoid costly mistakes in the future. If you’re interested in learning more about estate planning, we invite you to visit our website to register for one of our upcoming workshops.

Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide valuable insights and answer any questions you may have. Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan for your family’s future. Register today and take your first step towards ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.