You’re right. There’s a lot of resources online. There’s a lot of information, and boilerplate forms, and information products, and now it’s easier than ever to access information. Sure, you can download a template, fill in your name and the names of your loved ones, and sign the back page, and feel better. But you simply don’t know that what you’ve done is going to be sufficient to protect your family, because you don’t know whether you’ve thought of everything – from major issues to minor contingencies – that could happen from now until the day you leave this world. You don’t know the law in North Carolina – it’s as simple as that.
You wouldn’t replace your HVAC system yourself – so why would you make such a substantial decision to potentially risk the safety and security of your family after you’re no longer around to protect them? DIY may work for many different endeavors, but Estate Planning should not be one you roll the dice with.
You can install laminate flooring in your kitchen by yourself (I know, because I have). If you screwed up a little here and there (guilty), it’s not a big deal. It may cost you a little more, but you can always fix it because it’s just a floor. If you do your Estate Planning yourself – whether it’s a simple will or a full trust plan – you may never have the chance to fix your mistakes. Your family will be left cleaning up the mess that was left. To be clear – you would never intentionally do something to set your family up for failure, but again, you simply don’t know what you don’t know. You don’t know what you’re doing wrong.
There’s a reason why an entire industry of flooring and HVAC specialists exists – because it’s a specialized skill and high quality depends on specialization. The same is true for Estate Planning. Estate Planning Attorneys have knowledge, experience, and foresight to create Estate Plans that will cover all contingencies and “what ifs” and protect your family no what happens to you or them. And they have a passion for doing that. For working with families, and businesses, and individuals – young and old. For getting through the uncomfortable nature of the topic and making it about empowerment and control rather than death and sadness.
So, before you click download – think about what you don’t know.
Author Bio
Paul Yokabitus
Founder & Estate Planning Lawyer
Paul Yokabitus is the founder of Cary Estate Planning, where he helps North Carolina families protect what matters most through wills, trusts, probate, and special needs planning. Known for his “planning, not paperwork” approach, Paul turns complex legal concepts into clear, practical strategies so clients feel informed and confident at every step. He has been recognized as a Business North Carolina Legal Elite attorney and a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. A graduate of Campbell University School of Law, Paul lives in the Triangle with his wife, Alix, and their two sons.
Linkedin | Avvo | SuperLawyers
How We Help North Carolina Families
Paul and his team at Cary Estate Planning are fully committed to creating a personalized experience to develop thorough and comprehensive estate plans. They value their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that no details are missed. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to create an estate plan.
I was referred to Paul by my Real Estate Attorney and I could not say enough about how exceptional the client service has been from everyone I spoke to. The communication is prompt and I feel like they really took the time to answer all my questions and set things up exactly as I wanted, but also recommended things to make it easier on my family down the line.
After attending one of Paul’s estate planning seminars, my husband and I knew we wanted Paul to assist us with our estate planning. His honest, professional approach to this necessary part of life put us at ease with the process. We will continue to recommend Paul and Cary Estate Planning.
We had a great experience working with Paul Yokabitus and the team at Cary Estate Planning to set up our Will and Estate Plan. The process was clear and easy, and in the age of COVID, our signing session was very well done, easy, and safe.
The Cary Estate Planning team will make sure that you have the information you need to be confident in your estate planning decisions. I learned so much from videos, a one-on-one in-person consultation, the website, emails, and a newsletter mailed the old fashioned way. The fee is very reasonable given the importance of estate planning. No matter the size or number of your assets, don’t procrastinate like I did!
Paul is a masterful attorney. He’s very good at taking your intentions and defining that into a durable Trust and Will. Best of all he is as simple and plain-spoken as you like. Or as fast as intellectual as you may be. It’s all about your your speed and your desired outcomes. Would strongly recommend this firm.
Trusted Estate Planning
Attorney Offices in Cary and Raleigh
Capability to meet virtually to help all NC residents
