Do you have a plan for what happens to your personal property after you pass away?

What about a legal document outlining what you’d like to have happen if you become incapacitated?

If not, then you need to consider creating an estate plan.

In this post, we’ll tell you just a few of the many reasons why it’s so important that you work with an estate lawyer when you’re writing your estate plan.

We’ll also let you know where you can find experienced estate attorney services in your area.

1. An Estate Plan Is More Than a Will

One of the biggest reasons to hire an estate lawyer?

Because many people don’t realize that the process of estate planning requires much more than a will alone. If you attempt a DIY approach, you could end up leaving important information and documents out of your plan.

In addition to a will, you’ll also need to declare a healthcare and financial Power of Attorney, complete an estate plan questionnaire, as well as instructions about what to do with your remains and your personal property.

Hiring an estate attorney ensures that you complete everything you need to.

2. Your Estate Plan Will Be Completed in Full

Let’s face it: the process of planning your estate is complicated.

Things that might seem like small issues, like a forgotten signature or an incomplete document, can end up rendering your will invalid. Even worse, it could mean that your wishes aren’t followed.

Plus, an estate lawyer will also be able to offer you objective and unbiased advice. This is especially key when you’re deciding who to appoint as your Power of Attorney.

3. It Ensures the Validity of Your Estate Plan

Finally, working with a legal professional will help to ensure that your family can prove you were of sound mind when you first drew up your estate plan.

They’ll also help you and your loved ones to understand what could happen if, after you’ve completed your estate plan, you become ill or incapacitated. A professional will be able to explain to those around you how to prove the validity of your estate plan. This will hold even if your health diminishes or after you pass away.

Many people believe that the cost of hiring an attorney isn’t really “worth” it in the end.

However, ask yourself if it’s truly worth the risk of your will being declared invalid and leaving your family with next to nothing?

Do You Need to Hire an Estate Lawyer?

While it’s important to remember that the information contained in this article shouldn’t be seen as legal advice, we do hope that it’s made you consider why you need to hire an estate lawyer.

At Derryberry & Associates LLP, we offer a wide variety of legal services, including estate planning, to our clients. We can also assist you with business, probate, and real estate law, among other areas.

When you’re ready to get your case evaluated, we invite you to get in touch with us to begin to develop the best strategy for your needs.