If you are someone who changes your own oil, or files your own taxes, you may also consider the do it yourself route for your estate planning document. It appears to offer convenience, cost savings, and control. But there is one major difference between estate planning and those other tasks. If something goes wrong with your estate plan, you will not be the one dealing with the mess. Your loved ones will.

Before you decide whether to create a will or a trust, or how to pass your assets to your children, you will be deciding whether to work with an attorney or use a do it yourself software tool or template for your estate planning. As an estate planning attorney, I am obviously biased. But my bias is grounded in experience. A lawyer ensures your plan is valid, follows state law, and accomplishes your goals. That is not just professional oversight. It is peace of mind.

This article will walk you through the key differences between using a do it yourself estate planning approach and working directly with an attorney. It will also show you how we at Williams Legal Services can help make the process easier and more effective.

 

The Appeal of Do It Yourself Estate Planning

The appeal of do it yourself estate planning is clear. It is usually less expensive than hiring an attorney. It is faster. And it promises a sense of empowerment. You are taking control of your own affairs, on your own time. For many people, especially those with smaller or simpler estates, this can seem like the logical choice.

Today’s options include online platforms, downloadable templates, and fillable forms. These tools are designed to make estate planning accessible. And in a narrow set of circumstances, they can do the job. If you are single, have no children, and your assets are limited to a checking account and a car, then a basic will from an online service might be sufficient.

But even in those cases, the tools you use do not offer legal advice. They provide documents, not guidance. Most people do not just want a completed form. They want to know they have made the right choices. They want someone to explain what terms mean, which documents are required, and how to make sure the plan works when it is needed.

Take probate costs, for example. In Missouri, a probate attorney may charge around $15,000.00 to administer an estate worth $500,000.00. That fee can be avoided with a properly drafted and funded estate plan. A do it yourself estate plan that misses key matters may leave your family stuck in the very system you were trying to avoid.

Convenience is another reason people turn to do it yourself tools. It is hard to compete with the ability to create a will or trust from your kitchen table, on your own schedule. But estate planning attorneys are not stuck in the past. At Williams Legal Services, we provide you the ability to meet with us at our office, at your home, or virtually by phone or video. In addition, our intake process uses secure, intuitive software that helps you provide the right information without confusion.

 

The Benefits of Working with an Attorney

When you work with an attorney, you are not just paying for documents. You are paying for experience, judgment, and ongoing support. An attorney ensures your estate plan is legally sound, tailored to your specific goals, and structured to protect your family in both the short term and the long run.

Estate planning is not a one time event. It is a process. Life changes. Families grow and shift. Laws are updated. Ideally, you will build a lasting relationship with your estate planning attorney. Someone who knows your values, understands your situation, and helps you keep your plan current as circumstances evolve.

Some situations almost always require an attorney’s help

 If you have minor children, you will need to name guardians and possibly create trusts to manage their inheritance. If you want to include specific instructions or conditions on an inheritance, like delaying access to funds until a certain age, a lawyer can help you draft language that is enforceable and clear. 

If you are in a blended family, you must carefully plan how to support your spouse without unintentionally disinheriting your children

Another critical area is long term care planning. Many families are unaware of how Medicaid eligibility works, or how quickly nursing home costs can deplete savings. An experienced attorney can help protect your assets while maintaining access to needed benefits.

In each of these scenarios, the guidance of an attorney helps you avoid costly mistakes. And perhaps more importantly, it provides comfort. You know your plan reflects your wishes and will work as intended.

 

Funding Your Estate Plan

One of the most overlooked steps in estate planning is funding. Funding means transferring your assets into your trust, or updating beneficiary designations to align with your overall plan. Without funding, even the most carefully drafted trust may be useless.

Many people who use attorneys still fail to complete this step. They assume the paperwork ends with the signing meeting. At Williams Legal Services, we guide our clients through the funding process. We help you identify which assets belong in your trust, how to retitle them, and how to keep things up to date as your financial life changes.

Think of funding as the difference between buying a safe and putting your valuables inside. The trust is the safe. Funding it is what makes it useful.

 

Why Choose Williams Legal Services

If you live in Missouri, there is real value in working with Williams Legal Services. We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your family, your goals, and your concerns. We answer your questions without legal jargon. We provide thoughtful recommendations. And we make sure your estate plan is properly drafted, signed, and funded.

Most important of all, we do not disappear once the documents are signed. We are here for the long term. To answer questions, to make updates, and to support your family when your plan is put into action.

 

Making the Right Choice for You

If your estate is truly simple, which is rarely the case, and you are comfortable handling legal paperwork on your own, then a do it yourself estate plan might meet your needs. But for most people, estate planning is too important to risk on guesswork. A will or trust is not just paperwork. It is a message to your family, a final expression of your wishes, and a critical step in protecting the people you love.

At Williams Legal Services, we believe the combination of professional guidance, personal service, and long term support offers unmatched value. Whether you are just starting your estate planning journey or revisiting an old plan, we are here to help.