If you are thinking about creating an estate plan but are looking to save on legal fees or you are a “do it yourself-er,” you may be considering doing your own planning. It’s important to understand the risks associated with creating your own estate plan. Without the help of a qualified attorney, you may not have the right kind of estate plan in place and your documents may not be legally valid.

Doing your own estate planning could have many negative consequences

You may make a serious legal error that makes your documents invalid
You may misunderstand a law or regulation that could leave you unprepared for the pitfalls
You won’t have the advice and guidance of an attorney
You may not choose to create the right documents
You may misunderstand the uses of certain documents
You won’t understand how to create a customized plan to fit your individual needs
You may not understand when it’s necessary to make changes to your plan
You won’t know if your plan will work, until it’s too late

If you’re considering creating your own estate plan, take the time to talk with an attorney about your estate planning needs. It’s important to get the help of a qualified attorney so that you have the best plan in place.

Your attorney will be able to guide you throughout the entire process so that you feel more comfortable. He or she will also be able to address your concerns so that you understand your individual plan. It’s important to spend the money, since you will be making an investment toward your future.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to create your estate plan, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.