Is An Estate Planning Attorney Really Necessary?

If you have some hesitations about getting or updating an estate plan, you’re not alone. Estate planning is not something that people necessarily look forward to.

In a do-it-yourself era, you may be wondering: Is this something I can do on my own? The answer is generally no.

Here are some reasons why it’s wise to consider hiring an attorney for estate planning.

1. New York estate law is complicated.

Estate planning involves navigating a complicated legal minefield. New York state has specific laws that affect almost all aspects of estate planning, from wills and trusts to guardianship designations and powers of attorney. In addition, the federal tax code will have an impact on your estate taxes. Even attorneys who aren’t well-versed in estate law will enlist experienced legal minds such as ours to ensure that their estate plan is rock-solid.

2. You deserve peace of mind.

One of the big reasons why people create an estate plan is to have peace of mind about their future. You also deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing your estate plan is legally valid and enforceable.

If you attempt to do it yourself, you could end up with an estate plan that isn’t valid, or one that is subject to misinterpretations that could result in costly probate disputes. Doing it yourself may save you a few dollars on the front end, but it won’t provide long-term peace of mind or provide you with the assurance that your legacy will be preserved and distributed as you intended.

3. Hiring a lawyer can actually save you money.

While it’s easy to focus on the upfront cost of an attorney, a good lawyer can help you save money through strategic tax advantages. They can minimize the tax burden on your estate so that more of your assets go to those you love rather than to the government.

4. You can benefit from professional estate planning guidance no matter where you’re at in life.

It’s a common misconception that only those who are very wealthy or nearing retirement should hire an estate planning lawyer. In fact, you can benefit from an estate plan at almost any stage in life. Starting a trusted relationship with an estate planning lawyer sooner rather than later will give you a go-to resource when you need to update your estate plan after big life changes.

Find Out If We’re A Good Fit For Your Estate Planning Needs

At Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, our award-winning lawyers have extensive estate planning experience. We help people from all walks of life develop a plan that fits their unique needs and goals.

To learn more, please contact our office in White Plains at 914-269-2367. You can also reach our team via email.