October 25, 2016

If you are thinking ahead about your estate planning goals, it’s tempting to address your needs by filling out a form you found online.

A template will or other documents are not always legally binding and they may be a very poor fit for anyone who has special concerns or needs. In the event that your will is unclear or not in line with relevant state laws, your estate could become more complicated than you intended.

Here are some common situations that warrant the insight of an experienced lawyer:

• Caring for a child with special needs
• Wanting to give particular pieces of property to one beneficiary or another
• Wanting to exclude someone from your will or other estate matters
• Wanting to ensure that property is passed on with some element of control (such as through a trust)
• Getting remarried or divorced and needing to update your plan or adjust to include past beneficiaries
• Advanced planning strategies to assist with your estate or tax needs

As you can see, there are numerous situations that make it a good choice to set up a meeting with an experienced estate planning lawyer. Talking to a lawyer will help you identify the right strategies for you and your family now and well into the future.