With the popularity of YouTube and the accessibility of information on the internet, do-it-yourself culture has never been more prevalent than it is today. While COVID-19 might be keeping you socially distanced from your attorney, you should never attempt to do estate planning on your own.
Legal Terms
First, legal terminology can be very dense and confusing. Attorneys at Mobley and Brown, LLP specialize in breaking down complex terms, and understand exactly what each piece of your estate planning puzzle means. Unfortunately, people who misunderstand legal terms can create estate plans that are virtually useless or not legally valid.
Missing Pieces
A very common mistake when you choose to DIY your estate planning is missing pieces, signatures or attachments. If you do not thoroughly understand the process of estate planning and all of the moving parts involved, you could void the document thanks to a single missing signature. Estate planning attorneys know how to complete everything right the first time.
Lost Will
One of the most tragic problems with DIY estate planning is that, if you complete it by yourself and do not inform others, the court may assume that a will does not exist and it may die with you. Lawyers can serve as custodians of your will and estate plan, which prevents it from being lost or revoked in court after your passing. One recent example of this occurred with Aretha Franklin. It was initially believed that there was no will left behind, but later three separate handwritten wills were discovered. This has now led to tremendous confusion and a long legal battle, when a single professionally-drafted will could have already dispensed her assets to the rightful beneficiaries.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Finally, when you complete your estate planning, you should remember that one size does not fit all. The fill-in-the-blank documents available online are not customized to your unique family and life situations. Why would you risk your intentions not being followed through and leave everything in the hands of a free printable form you found online? Mobley and Brown, LLP is here to help ensure your wishes are carried out.
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Your Estate Planning
If you are searching for the right estate planning/attorney in Maryland and unsure where to turn, contact Mobley and Brown, LLP today. Our experienced legal team will work with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
