Why are inexpensive estate planning services so bad?

Whether you're thinking of using Legalzoom or the attorney who's making wills for $500 apiece, the problem with these options is that an estate plan MUST be comprehensive to work. A quick "a la carte" will or trust won't protect your family. That's because different assets are held and controlled in different ways, and you need various planning methods to bring all of your assets together in a cohesive way.

Think of your estate plan like a jigsaw puzzle where your will is only one piece of the puzzle.

A puzzle needs many pieces to complete the picture. Your estate plan is the same. You need a series of tools and documents that work together to form a complete picture of your estate. For example, the method for passing on your life insurance is different than the method for passing on your bank account. Some assets aren't passed on using a will at all. These methods need to be coordinated to make sure all of your assets go to your loved ones in the way you want.

Plus, if your estate plan isn't coordinated to take into account all your assets and all of your beneficiaries, money gets lost. There is nearly $500 million dollars right now in the Department of Unclaimed Property. That money got there because assets were unaccounted for or estate plans failed.

For example, let's say you create a will that leaves all of your money to your brother. But what happens to that money if your brother passes away before you? If you didn't make a plan for this in your will, that money could end up in the hands of the State.

Even more important, a cheap plan will likely leave your family with a mess.

A cheap estate plan usually creates more problems than solutions. Aside from assets being missed entirely, an inexpensive plan will likely land your family in court, either by the design of the plan or on accident. Inexpensive plans also lack the complexity necessary to protect your wealth from creditors, divorce, or medical expenses.

A thorough estate planning attorney will also make sure your plan includes the necessary tools to keep you protected during your life so you never lose control of your finances or healthcare decisions.

You need an attorney who will analyze your entire situation and make a plan to fit.

Any attorney offering to create a one or two document plan has one thing in mind - a fast turn around. This type of business practice is focused on getting clients in the door, getting paid, and sending them on their way. If your lawyer isn't taking the time to truly get to know your situation, it is impossible for them to create a plan that will work when your family needs it.

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. This information should not be construed to be legal advice.

This article is a service of the Law Office of Alexis M. Langer, APC, Personal Family Lawyer®. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love.  That's why I offer a Family Wealth Planning Session,™ during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling my office or clicking the button below to schedule a Family Wealth Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.