In today’s world, you can Google a “how-to” on nearly anything. Want to build a playhouse for your children? There are YouTube videos to show you how. Trying to become a better writer? A quick search can offer you thousands of workbooks, prompts, and exercises. Need a will or a power of attorney document? Countless resources are available to help you skip the “hassle” of hiring an estate planning lawyer. Unfortunately, a do-it-yourself estate plan is rarely a good idea, as even a small mistake can have significant consequences.
Retaining an estate planning attorney may seem unnecessary, especially as you draft your documents. At the very least, however, you should have a lawyer review your will and any other documents before you sign them to ensure that you and your beneficiaries don’t suffer in the long term.
Avoid These Mistakes in Your 2026 Estate Plan
Having a DIY estate plan is better than having no estate plan at all. In fact, a recent study by Caring.com found that only 24 percent of Americans have a will written. However, DIY estate planning forms often leave room for oversights or mistakes that can affect you and your beneficiaries. An attorney can review your plan and help make sure that it reflects your priorities.