Using Estate Planning Software to "Save" Money
Todd Ratner of the Estate Planning Bits has a good post about the dangers of using estate planning software to prepare your estate plan. Like the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for." I have probated wills for individuals who drafted wills on their own and more often than not, mistakes were made, or believed to be made as it was unclear what the decedent intended. When it comes to selling your house, performing surgery or handling your investments, most people don't try to do it themselves - they get an expert. Putting together an estate plan that distributes your wealth, plans for your incapacity, and cares for your family is just as important and should be handled by an experienced attorney, not a "point and click" software program or on-line service.
Of course, I know there are cynics out there that believe that "you lawyers" just say these things to make money. To which I respond - the cost and attorney fees in any court battle will quickly dwarf the cost of drawing up and executing a well-drafted will. So go ahead, do your own estate plan and then have your family spend your money fighting over the money you "saved".
I agree cookie cutters solutions are only good for making boring cookies. A tailored estate plan is as important the tailored suit that they supply in the end.