There is a lot of do-it-yourself advice out there about estate planning. But it’s important to remember that estate planning is serious. One small error such as an incorrect word or a signature that is missing can mean the intent of a will or trust is completely changed!
Don’t leave your loved ones with the burden of having to figure out your wishes after you are gone. Ensuring your estate is carefully planned and your wishes concerning life support and other details with the help of a qualified lawyer can provide great comfort to those you leave behind.
Saving Money Could Cost You in the Long Run
Trying to save yourself a few bucks by searching the Internet for forms or buying books to prepare your own estate planning documents might cost your family far more than you saved. Imagine how rude the awakening if your family discovers that your will is not legally valid or your medical power of attorney doesn’t work the way you had planned. Then it will be up to your loved ones to spend money to try to correct your mistakes.
To help you weigh your options, here is how professional legal counsel compares to do-it-yourself methods:
| DIY / Online Forms | Attorney Robert Kaplan | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Validity | High risk that signatures or specific language do not meet strict Illinois state requirements. | Documents are meticulously drafted to be legally binding and enforceable in Illinois courts. |
| Customization | One-size-fits-all templates that often miss critical nuances, such as second marriages or business succession. | Tailored strategies specifically designed for your unique family dynamics, assets, and charitable goals. |
| Tax Strategy | Often ignores the complex impact of state and federal estate taxes, leaving money on the table. | Proactive planning to minimize the "cut" taken by the IRS or the Illinois Department of Revenue. |
| Future Burden | Small mistakes often lead to expensive, stressful, and lengthy probate court battles for your family. | Provides a clear, seamless roadmap that protects your loved ones from the burden of legal uncertainty. |
| Peace of Mind | Uncertain; you won’t truly know if your documents "work" until it is too late to fix them. | Complete confidence that your legacy is secure and your medical and financial wishes will be honored. |
A Complicated Life Can Mean Complicated Estate Planning
If your family life has any of the following complications, it’s likely that planning your estate will be full of complications as well. For instance:
- You have no children, you have children who might cause problems, or you have minor children
- You have substantial assets
- You own a business
- You own real estate property in more than one state
- Your spouse recently passed away
- You want to leave some or all of your estate to charity
- You were recently divorced, or you are in a second marriage
Any of these situations mean your estate planning will be more complex, and you would be remiss if you did not hire an experienced estate planning attorney. If you don’t, it might be a probate lawyer and your state’s department of revenue—or the IRS—who will get most of your estate, rather than your loved ones.
Call Our Schaumburg Law Firm Today for a Consultation
Are you looking for an estate lawyer in Schaumburg, IL, who can expertly handle your estate planning details? Contact us to schedule a consultation with Robert Kaplan, PC, today.