Don't DIY Your Estate Plan

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022
Don't DIY Your Estate Plan Image

By Callie Cowan, ESQ.

Whether it's Fixer Upper or This Old House, we've all seen projects go awry when homeowners try to "DIY" certain things that should have been left to the professionals.

Unfortunately, we often see people try to take a "do it yourself" approach when it comes to their estate plan and the results can be just as disastrous.

Using an online program to draft your will and trust might seem appealing to some, but there are many pitfalls that could cause problems for those administering your estate when you're gone. Here are a few concerns that we as professional estate planning attorneys can help address:

  • Probate Avoidance: Many of our clients wish for their estate to avoid probate upon their passing, and simply having a Will does not accomplish this goal. We have several strategies that can help provide ease for your heirs at the time of your passing by avoiding the probate process.
  • Asset Alignment: This is where many "DIY" plans go wrong. Simply creating a Will or Trust is not the end goal - asset alignment is an important step to make sure that your wishes are carried out. We can provide counsel regarding this part of the process.
  • Peace of Mind: When you "DIY" your estate plan, you have no support system for counsel when life inevitably takes unexpected turn. Our office is here for our clients as they navigate life changes that may affect their estate plan. We can provide peace of mind that your plan is sound and will work the way you want it to when the time comes.

Some aspects of life are simply too important for a "DIY" approach, and your estate plan is one of them. Trust us as the professionals to create a comprehensive plan that will provide you peace of mind knowing that things have been done correctly.

*Disclaimer - This blog published by Ledbetter Law Group is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.

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229 Pensacola Road
Venice, FL 34285

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Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

 

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Licensed in FL, OR and TX

www.LedbetterLawFL.com

Serving Florida: Surrounding Areas - Venice, Sarasota, Nokomis, Osprey, North Port, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Boca Grande - As well as Real Estate Transactions and Probate in all Florida counties.

Services We Provide

  • Estate Planning: An estate consists of your home, car, other real estate, personal possessions and financial assets; create your estate plan adhering to your desire and where you want your possessions to go (spouse, family, charity, etc.) 
  • Real Estate / Real Property Law: Selling, buying, leasing land, housing, buildings as well as help with development and use of property.
  • Asset Protection: Legal process of protecting assets from future creditors - Assets such as cash, businesses, and investments.
  • Related Litigation: Business disputes, Probate and trust disputes, Nonprofit & charity disputes.
  • Business & Corporate Law: Business entity formation, description of rights and responsibilities of new corporation, contracts, intellectual property, terms and conditions, and more. 

Our Concentrations

  • Wills, Trusts and Advanced Directives: Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, Codicil, Amendment, Beneficiary Designations, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will & Health Care Surrogate
  • Probate & Trust Administration: Formal, summary & ancillary administration of decedent estates, administration of trusts after death of Settlor, handling claims and rights of beneficiaries
  • Business Succession Planning: Incorporation, articles of incorporation, bylaws, minutes, resolutions, amended articles, amended bylaws, and reinstatement
  • Guardianship & Incapacity: Contested, voluntary
  • Real Estate: Contract for sale, contract for purchase, contract for exchange, deed, affidavit, and closing/settlement services for land, buildings, and homes