DIY Estate Planning vs Hiring a Lawyer in California: How to Decide Which is Right for you
Should I DIY my will or trust in California or work with a lawyer? How do I decide?
Ultimately it’s up to you and what works best for you, but below are some factors to consider to help you decide:
Which Is More Limited for You Right Now — Time or Money?
If you really don’t have the time to figure this out on your own right now, working with a lawyer takes a lot of the work and “figuring out” off your plate, and puts someone else in charge of keeping things moving forward, so you have guidance, accountability, and less to do.
If funds are tight, and you can find the time to make planning for yourself and the people, pets, and charities you care about a priority, DIY may be a great option for you.
Do You Like to DIY?
If yes, great. Perhaps that’s your answer.
No? Are there other factors that will help you make this a priority? Or will you put it off because you’re busy and really don’t want to spend your free time learning about wills and trusts and filling out questionnaires and forms?
Will You Actually Get This Done If You Choose to DIY?
If yes, you have the motivation, organization, and interest in getting this done, great! My DIY option is designed to avoid the pitfalls of the other versions that exist out there.
If no — you know yourself well enough to realize that this is going to sit on your desk or in your inbox incomplete and unsigned while you feel bad about it for months… don’t put yourself through this.
You know it’s important to create a plan for yourself and the people, pets, and charities you care about, or you wouldn’t be reading this. So let’s skip the guilt and beating yourself up — and more planes and roadtrips with that weight on your shoulders — and just get it done.
If You DIY and Get Everything Done, Will You Feel Relief?
If yes, great! This is a great option for you.
If no — you’ll still feel the weight of worry that it’s not done properly — then you have a few options:
Purchase my DIY option knowing that I’ve eliminated a lot of the pitfalls that are part of other options. Carefully choose the right option for you, and know that a lot of the work is already done just by choosing single or married, trust or will, kids or no kids.
Purchase my DIY option and consider upgrading to have me review your work and give you the peace of mind of knowing it’s done properly.
Work with me one on one and I’ll take care of it for you.
Do Your Circumstances and Wishes Fit Within the Limits of DIY Templates?
The benefit of my version of DIY legal documents is that they are designed to fit a particular situation. By including certain key elements as a foundation, there is less work for you to do and these key elements cannot be inadvertently left out.
For example, with other forms I have seen, it is possible to completely and accidentally leave out the most important people — where a married parent wants to leave all assets to their spouse and then equally to their kids, but their kids are not actually included in the will or trust. Yes, I have seen this happen, and that is why it is built into my DIY option. If you purchase the married parents’ trust, you cannot accidentally leave out your spouse or kids.
However, there are situations that are not going to fit DIY, and really need custom drafting. It can be something simple like being a married parent who does not want assets going to a spouse and then equally to children, or being a single parent who wants something other than everything equally to their children. You may have a blended family (as I do) that requires more detailed and customized language. You may need more discussion, legal advice, and creative solutions.
If you are not sure whether your situation and wishes fit the options I have available, let’s schedule a call to discuss.
What’s the right next step for you?
If you’ve read through these questions and feel confident that DIY fits your situation — and that you’ll actually get it done — starting with a comprehensive DIY option may make sense.
If you’d rather not DIY, want to talk things through, want reassurance, or know your situation needs customization, booking a consult is the best next step.