It is said that “a goal without a plan is just a wish.” The recent hardships have, for many, turned their thoughts toward their loved ones’ futures, and brought into focus the need to prepare. Thankfully, when it comes to securing the comfort of our families, the law offers something better than daydreams – it offers assurance that the goals, carefully set for our loved ones’ security, will become enforceable obligations. This is fitting, as the hard-won achievements of a lifetime deserve protection just as strong as the effort spent in earning.
However, the law affords this protection only when utilized correctly. It is therefore unfortunate that the urgency of the times can tempt some to resort to what seems quick and easy, like the use of legal e-services or self-help to draft estate planning documents. Though this route may appear cheap and convenient, this is often an illusion obscuring a hard reality awaiting heirs. In contrast, hiring a local attorney offers the following certainties:
The real cost of e-services or self-help gone wrong usually accrues only after a person has passed away. The individuals who pay are typically the very loved ones the estate plan was meant to protect. Improperly drafted documents can create hardship for heirs and waste assets through fees spent on litigating the meaning or validity of a document, and at worst may fail in their purpose completely. Wishes are for wells and cakes, not estate plans. Work with an attorney to ensure your goals become reality.