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Home » Estate Planning » Is An Estate Planning Attorney Really Necessary?

Is An Estate Planning Attorney Really Necessary?

December 2, 2011 by John Potter

These days you can find information on any subject by simply popping a term into a search engine. This is fantastic on the one hand because this rapid access to information has transformed how we do business, how we learn, and how we conduct our lives. However, they say that a little bit of information can be a dangerous thing, and this is something to keep in mind as you go forward in the information age.

There are some things that you can take on for yourself when you find out enough information about the subject online. Do-it-yourself projects are certainly a good thing when you can do them effectively and efficiently. However, there are some matters that should never be undertaken without professional advice, and one of them is estate planning.

On the Internet there are websites that want you to believe that anyone can devise an estate plan by simply downloading a generic blank template document offered by the website in question if you’re willing to pay the price. While it is legal for you to fill out the form, whether or not it will be considered to be legally binding once it is placed under the scrutiny of the probate court is another matter.

Your family is unique and your intentions are specific to you and you alone. Crafting your legacy is a personal matter, and it is one that requires individualized attention. The typical layperson lacks the experience to fully understanding all of the different legal instruments that are typically involved in a comprehensive estate plan. There are many things to consider, and devising a comprehensive estate plan is not as simple as filling in the blanks on a generic document.

There are many things that you can sensibly turn into a DIY project, but estate planning is not one of them. The only way to be certain that your wishes will be carried out and your family will be protected is to engage the assistance of an experienced and licensed estate planning attorney.

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Filed Under: Estate Planning Tagged With: Estate Planning, Inheritance Planning, Legacy Planning

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Overall The Potter Firm was very professional. They took what could of been a very complicated process and were able to break it down so it was a lot easier to understand. We are confident we now have made the right decisions in our estate planning. Good firm to work with.

DKS & KMS Client Review August 28, 2020

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John Potter has been a real pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable and explains things in a very simplistic manner so the average person can understand how/why the laws are written. He is very attentive and asks questions in such a way that not only helps him understand your goals, but also helps you think about what type of goals and expectations you should be considering. Exemplary client service.

David J. Client Review August 28, 2020

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My husband and I selected Ms. Potter to assist with our small business. She responsive and attentive every time I have a question or need assistance, and is extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any legal question I have had. I know I can count on Ms. Potter for all of my business legal needs and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance with such.

Jillian Client Review August 28, 2020

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