If you are considering beginning the estate planning process, you may be wondering whether you need to hire an estate planning attorney. While it can be tempting to try to create your own living trust to save money with the aid of online how-to guides, this can be a risky choice. The fact is that estate planning can be a complex process, and it is usually best to work with an experienced legal professional who is well versed in the process of establishing a living trust. Here are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to consult an estate planning attorney when creating a living trust.
Ensure it is Legally Binding
The fact is that the process of creating an estate plan is extremely complex, as there are various guidelines that must be followed to ensure that your estate plan is legally binding. If you unknowingly make a mistake, it may turn out that the court rules your estate plan invalid after your death. The fact is that you only have one shot to get your estate plan right, so it is important that you work with an experienced professional who can walk you through this difficult process. An estate planning attorney will have a great deal of experience creating living trusts, and they will be able to ensure that your estate plan is legally binding.
Reduce Stress
As we previously mentioned, the estate planning process can be extremely complicated and often involves sorting through complex legal documents and estate planning law. If you attempt to create your own living trust, you may quickly find yourself bogged down and lost in complex legal jargon that you do not understand. Not only can this be extremely stressful, but it also leaves you vulnerable to making a mistake. Having an attorney to walk you through this process will reduce your stress level and make the estate planning process feel more approachable.
Make Sure Your Family is Protected
If you make a mistake when creating your estate plan, then your estate may have to go through probate upon your death. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process, putting additional stress on your family during an already difficult time. Working with an attorney will give you the best chances of shielding your estate from the probate process, protecting your family from unnecessary stress.
Working with an attorney is the best way to ensure that the estate planning process goes smoothly. Contact us to learn about how we can help you draft an estate plan that will meet your needs.