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While some individuals may feel inclined to handle their estate planning matters independently, without professional legal guidance, this course of action can be fraught with potential pitfalls.
The central issue with self-drafted legal documents, including wills, is that they can be ambiguous or unclear. Typically, if a contract's meaning is disputed or unclear, you can argue your intended meaning in court. However, once a will comes into play, you're no longer available to clarify your intentions. This can lead to significant issues down the line that you won't be able to address. For this reason, it is generally advisable to engage professional help when drafting a will or similar estate planning documents.
Many online platforms offer ready-made legal documents, including those for estate planning. While these services might seem convenient and cost-effective, they can lead to unforeseen complications. Often, individuals who use these services may misunderstand or incorrectly fill out these documents, leading to problematic consequences that become apparent only after their death. Furthermore, the belief that "once it's done, it's done" is a misconception – estate planning documents should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in life circumstances, asset profiles, or legislation.
Some online estate planning documents can be extremely lengthy, often approaching a hundred pages, and filled with complex legal terminology. Comprehending and correctly interpreting this legalese requires considerable discipline and knowledge.
While you may choose to draft your estate planning documents yourself or download them from an online service, it is strongly recommended to at least consult with a lawyer afterward. A legal professional can review your documents, answer questions, and explain the contents, ensuring you fully understand what you're signing.
Often, laypeople struggle to interpret legal language, commonly known as boilerplate language. This terminology has been scrutinized and interpreted by courts for centuries, and its meaning is well-established, leaving little room for dispute or interpretation. By consulting with a lawyer, you gain the advantage of their legal expertise and understanding of these terms.
In conclusion, while handling your estate planning may seem like a cost-effective alternative, it could potentially lead to significant issues. Professional legal guidance is strongly recommended to ensure that your estate is managed according to your wishes.
As an attorney, my primary goal is to help clients avoid problems before they arise. Rather than waiting until the situation becomes dire, I prefer to work with clients who want to stay ahead of potential issues. My favorite clients are those who, instead of wrestling with a problem, want to prevent difficulties from occurring in the first place.
Our firm typically does not charge for the initial consultation. This approach stems from a belief that getting early legal advice should not be hindered by financial considerations. Unfortunately, I've witnessed too many instances where people have delayed seeking legal counsel until they're on the verge of a crisis, and by then, it might be too late to reverse the situation. The initial consultation provides an opportunity for potential clients to understand how we can assist them without any financial obligation.
A successful attorney-client relationship is founded on mutual comfort and trust. If potential clients do not feel comfortable with me during our initial consultation, I encourage them to seek legal counsel with whom they do feel comfortable. Conversely, if they feel at ease and wish to proceed with my services for their estate planning, I am more than happy to assist.
I certainly do not claim to be the sole practitioner capable of estate planning or even the very best at it. It is crucial, however, for clients to feel like they can foster a good, long-term relationship with their chosen attorney.
I value authenticity and sincerity in my practice. I am not the type of attorney who enjoys boasting about achievements or qualifications. Instead, I believe in presenting my genuine self to clients and, in turn, connecting with them on a sincere level. This approach, I have found, tends to create a comfortable environment that ultimately benefits our work together.
In essence, my role as an estate planning attorney goes beyond merely providing legal services; it's about creating a trustworthy relationship where clients feel comfortable discussing their life plans and securing their legacy. If potential clients do not feel this level of comfort with me, I absolutely recommend they find an attorney with whom they can establish this connection. For more information on Hiring An Experienced Estate Planning Attorney, an initial consultation is your next best step.
