Should I Download Estate Planning Documents from the Internet?

You, and many others, have likely considered downloading estate planning documents from the internet.  So, let’s think it over and consider the implications of trying to save money or being and “do-it-yourself” and downing loading estate planning documents.

Points of Consideration

• Downloading forms is less expensive than paying estate planning attorney fees.
• You can down load forms at home and not have to go to an attorney’s office.
• Do you really save money if your downloaded forms don’t work, meaning that they don’t do what you want them to do?
• Are you sure your downloaded forms will be legally valid?  And, legally executed?
• Downloaded forms are not reviewed by an attorney for your particular situation.
• Downloaded forms are not customized to meet your family’s individualized needs.
• You can’t ask downloaded forms questions about your estate planning goals, documents, and choices.
• You likely don’t have two witnesses and a notary in your home; an estate planning attorney provides witnesses and notary.
• Who will your loved ones call for help when you are incapacitated or die if you use internet forms?
• How will you know how the ever dynamic law changes affect your estate plan and your family without an attorney’s advice and legal counsel?
• How will you avoid the unintentional disinheritance of your children if you use the internet for estate planning?
• Will you know how you should own your assets without legal guidance?
• Will your assets avoid probate without legal guidance?
• Will a form incorporate special needs planning, pet planning, inheritance planning, charitable planning, asset protection planning, legacy planning, or bloodline protection planning?
• Did you know that you can protect your children’s inheritance from divorcing spouses, law suits, and bankruptcies?If you’re considering downloading estate planning forms from the internet, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney first to see just how valuable true and comprehensive estate planning can be.