Why Not use Do it Yourself Trusts in Arizona?

5 Reasons to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney Over DIY Planning
Understanding the benefits of hiring an estate planning attorney to prepare your trust or will is important. Do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning may seem like the more cost-effective method upfront, but in reality, you’re exposing yourself and your heirs to the risk of probate court and other costly fees when your documents aren’t prepared by a professional.

DIY estate planning is dangerous. Here are five reasons why you should work with an experienced estate planning attorney instead:

5. We have dedicated our lives to understanding the ins and outs of estate planning.
Phelps LaClair has been in the estate planning business for over 40 years. We can advise you on the best estate plan for your unique situation. You probably haven’t spent decades studying the tax laws or understanding the intricacies of trusts and wills, and you shouldn’t have to. Without that knowledge, a DIY plan can set you up for trouble when it comes to properly handling estate taxes. Let us apply the knowledge and firsthand experience we’ve gained to provide you with a rock-solid estate plan that will protect your assets and your family.

4. We will be there for your loved ones when the time comes.
Our four decades of experience have taught us what works and what doesn’t in real life. We will not only design your estate plan on the “front end,” but we stand behind our documents and will be there for your loved ones on the “back end” when the time comes to implement your estate plan. Having this continuity helps ensure that your desires will be carried through to the very end so the right people will receive the inheritance in the right way at the right time.

3. We offer a free lifetime service package.
With a do-it-yourself estate plan, you’ll be responsible for updating your documents, keeping up with changes to the tax laws, and constantly educating yourself on estate planning for the rest of your life. Good luck! An estate plan is meant to give you peace of mind so you can focus on what’s important to you and enjoy your golden years. If you’re the one responsible for your estate plan, you’ll find life much less enjoyable.

With Phelps LaClair, you receive a free lifetime service package. With this, you can:

• Call us anytime you have a question.
• Meet with us for a comprehensive estate plan checkup every three years.
• Attend our educational seminars to stay informed.
  (All of this is included at no extra charge!)

2. We can reduce your tax liability.
An experienced and trustworthy estate planning firm will have attorneys with deep expertise in estate tax law. We’ll use that knowledge to advise you on how to reduce your estate tax liability and ensure that your assets are preserved to the maximum extent possible. This benefit alone may cover the cost of our estate planning services many times over.

1. Probate is much more expensive than our estate plans.
The last thing you want for your family is to end up in probate court due to a dispute over your estate. Having your documents professionally prepared ensures that there’s no ambiguity and that your heirs won’t end up in a lengthy and costly court case to settle the distribution of your assets.

Probate court can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars, and sometimes takes years. This is the number one reason why you should hire an estate planning attorney to prepare your estate plan.

Estate Planning Attorney in Phoenix
The bottom line: DIY planning will not save you or your heirs money in the long run (not to mention the emotional turmoil). You should always rely on a qualified estate planning attorney to manage your estate. It’s the only way you can ensure that your wealth will be preserved and your heirs won’t end up in probate court settling a dispute over your assets.

If you’re ready to create an estate plan that will continue your legacy, give Phelps LaClair a call today!