How much legal knowledge do you have? Chances are that you have far less than you need to properly draft your Will. This is probably why do-it-yourself Will kits are so popular. They present an option that saves you money and keeps you out of a lawyer’s office. As wonderful as that may sound, there are reasons why you should seek the legal assistance of a lawyer when estate planning moves to Wills.
Reasons To Seek a Lawyer When Estate Planning Moves To Wills.
Simply put, a lawyer has the necessary legal knowledge and expertise to properly draft your will. They know the proper wording and how to ensure your Will meets state and federal legal guidelines. In other words, for a document that is legally binding the moment it is created, you are better off having a lawyer work with you to get your estate wishes documented.
Another reason why you should see a lawyer rather than going the DIY route is that a lawyer can customize your Will to fit your specific needs. DIY kits are usually generic in nature, using templates that are far from flexible. Your unique circumstances may not be addressed in any of those templates, but a lawyer can personalize your Will to include all particulars and word them so there is no guesswork when your estate is to be dispersed.
One more important bonus to working with a lawyer to draft your Will is that if you have complex situations or unique assets, they can offer legal advice to help navigate potential issues. A DIY Will kit can’t deal with complicated family situations, high-value assets, business interests, or any other unusual or challenging matters.
Why a DIY Will Kit Is Not Ideal for Estate Planning
While DIY Will kits may appear as a simple solution, they tend to create several problems resulting from errors, omissions, or unclear language. These issues can render your Will invalid or open doors to disputes between beneficiaries. An accurate, error-free Will is what you will receive when you opt to work with a lawyer.
Another thing a DIY Will Kit can’t do is offer you assistance and guidance with estate planning. Lawyers have the knowledge and skillset to help you navigate such options as powers of attorney, testamentary trusts, and healthcare directives to ensure all your wishes are handled with care, dignity, and are correctly spelled out to avoid potential problems.
Wills Drawn Up By Lawyers Vs. a DIY Will Kit
Wills drawn up by lawyers include additional services such as periodic reviews and updates to keep your Will up to date to include changes to you, your beneficiaries, estate plans, or lifestyle changes. If something new occurs in your life – think marriage, divorce, birth of additional children, death, financial changes – your Will can easily be updated to reflect those changes.
A DIY Will may not be correctly signed or witnessed. This seemingly minor oversight is a violation of the legal process required to properly execute a Will. This could create a problem later on that may either render the Will invalid or open it up to disputes because of misinterpretation. These details, including having the correct date on the document, can have a major impact on the legal status of the Will.
Finally, opting to work with a lawyer on drafting your Will should give you peace of mind. No longer will you fret or worry about your wishes and whether they are clearly documented and understandable in your Will. A lawyer will ensure that the language used is correct and accurately describes what you want to become of your estate. This eliminates misunderstandings and the issues that can result from that.
One More Thing!
When you have a legal firm draft your Will, they can store a copy of it on their digital filing system, ensuring that your estate plan is kept somewhere safe and secure. It is easy to misplace a paper copy of your Will, and regardless of how careful you are with storing it, it may get damaged or lost. With a Will that comes from a law firm’s estate planning department, you can’t lose the copy they have stored on your behalf.
Seeking Advice from the Wills and Estate Lawyers in North Brisbane
GKS Law can assist you with your estate planning in Brisbane. They know will and estate law in North Brisbane and can draw up a legally binding Will, so you don’t have to risk making mistakes with a DIY Will Kit. Contact the wills and estate lawyer in North Brisbane today. Call GKS Law.
In Conclusion
Estate planning should include a Will. This document ensures your legacy and protects your loved ones, but using a DIY Will Kit does not guarantee your plans will be carried out as you wish. To prevent this from happening, seek the legal advice of a lawyer who works on wills and estate planning.