Everyone likes the idea of a good deal, a great sale, saving a buck, and the like. When it comes to estate planning, you really do get what you pay for. Skimping on estate planning services can cost you or your heirs a whole lot of money in the long run. Here are five reasons to plan accordingly and get your estate plan done professionally and comprehensively:
1. You (or an inexperienced attorney) can make serious errors that cause unintended consequences and end up derailing your planning goals. DIY plans found online are wrought with opportunities to veer down a wrong path. Each situation is unique and only knowledgeable estate planning attorneys can customize your estate plan according to your situation.
2. You lose the opportunity to take advantage of helpful tips and seasoned legal advice. Estate planning is a complex area of law that overlaps with many other areas of expertise such as tax planning, financial planning, real estate law, family law and elder law. Each step of the process affords you the ability to assess your situation from various angles and learn different strategies. These strategies all provide different outcomes. An experienced estate planning attorney can explain all of this in a manner that relates directly to your situation and help you make the best decisions.
3. You may not realize when and how a new or changing law impacts your goals and existing plans. Estate planning and tax laws change frequently not just due to new legislation passed but also to new case law providing court precedents. Hiring an attorney who keeps up to date on the everchanging legal landscape will ensure that you get the necessary updates.
4. Your loved ones will not have a point of contact at such time you pass away or become disabled. While this is not a guarantee (estate planning attorneys do retire, move away, pass away, etc.), most firms have a record of your estate planning process including more than just finalized documents. Loved ones can reach out for assistance in administering the estate upon your passing or get advice should you become incapacitated and your power of attorney documents take effect.
5. It can be extremely costly to fix mistakes. Taking a cheaper route to estate planning can lead to mistakes that create situations that need costly litigation to attempt to correct. Do not place this burden on your heirs. Do it right the first time and have peace of mind that your goals will be accomplished through a comprehensive, professionally created estate plan.
At Stouffer Legal, we work closely with each client and learn about what makes his or her situation unique. The estate plans are then carefully customized to ensure each client has the best outcome. Do not be tempted to skimp on estate planning with DIY forms or inexperienced attorneys. Contact us to get started on a plan that will best fit your needs. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
