Idaho Law Blog
By Lane V. Erickson, Attorney
The internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a time before emails, YouTube, Facebook, tweeting, Instagram, Amazon and so on. However, not everything having to do with the internet is great. Additionally, not all the information that you get on the internet is reliable or accurate. Along the lines of estate planning, I am often asked by my clients whether they can simply get a do-it-yourself kit from the internet to help them complete their estate planning. Here are the main reasons why this is not a good idea.
ONLINE ESTATE PLANNING KITS ARE GENERIC
Most online estate planning kits are very generic. It’s like going to a restaurant and only being offered one or two options on the menu. Now if those options are really good then you’re fine. However, most people want a variety of options that will allow them to customize their dining experience. Estate planning is very similar. There really is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to estate planning. Every person lives in a unique place, has unique circumstances and individual and unique people in their lives. All of this should be considered and evaluated and should result in a well-thought-out estate plan that is customized for you.
ONLINE ESTATE PLANNING KITS DO NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE
An online estate planning kit May provide a valid and binding last will and testament or a power of attorney, but they do not provide legal advice or counsel. Laws change. People move. Circumstances in a person’s life change. When any of these things occur, it is important for that person to review their estate plan with a legal professional who can provide sound and qualified advice as to whether changes should be made and if so what those changes should be. An online estate planning kit simply does not provide this kind of customized and well-thought-out advice.
Estate planning should result in a well thought out and customized plan designed especially for you. If you are seeking an estate plan, we can help. Call us toll free at 877-232-6101 or 208-232-6101 for a consultation with Lane Erickson and the Racine Olson team of Estate Planning attorneys in Idaho. You can also email Lane Erickson directly at lve@racinelaw.net. We will answer your Idaho Estate Planning questions and will help you solve your Idaho Estate Planning problems.
This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer for advice on specific legal issues.