Absolutely not! There may be a time in life when you’re more comfortable employing an actual attorney. For example, let’s say you’re navigating the probate process, or you have a dispute about a friend or family member’s Estate Plan – in this case, an attorney may be wise. But for basic estate planning creation and document upkeep, you can confidently create a valid, legal Estate Plan through Trust & Will’s online platform, without the help of an attorney.

If you have a more complicated estate, millions of dollars in assets, are a business owner, have a blended family, or have personalized or state-specific estate planning questions you need answered, our Attorney Support service may benefit you. Having the ability to talk one-on-one with a licensed attorney in your state may also give you added peace of mind. However, the Attorney Support service is not required for any person who creates their Will or Trust-Based Estate Plan with Trust & Will. All of our documents are state-specific, built by attorneys, and legally valid upon signing.

The more experienced an estate planning attorney is, the better they may be. You want to find an attorney who has a firm grasp on and understanding of their knowledge about real property law. This is especially important if you have a very large estate, or if you want expert advice on how to minimize estate taxes or plan for the care of loved ones after you pass away.

Estate Planning Attorneys are legal professionals who are licensed and experienced in the area of estate law. They understand and can explain to you the specific state and federal laws that you should be aware of when you’re writing your Estate Plan. A qualified Estate Planning Attorney can guide you through the process on how your estate will be valued and inventoried after you pass away. They can also explain to you how your estate will eventually be settled and what tax implications your loved ones and estate may incur.

If you have a basic, fairly simple estate, your appointed Executor and/or Trustee should generally be able to settle it on their own, without hiring an Estate Planning or Probate Lawyer. If your estate is large, or if it’s very complicated, an Estate Planning Attorney can help your loved ones navigate the process.

Estate Planning Attorneys can help you decide which assets and property you can and should put into your Living Trust. They can also help you decide who you should appoint as your Trustee and Executor. They’ll be able to best explain to you how you can use your Estate Plan strategically, to reduce and minimize estate taxes and possibly even avoid probate. And, they’ll also cover some of the benefits, as well as any negative aspects, of having a Living Trust. This way, you can decide which estate planning tools are right for you.