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ToggleEstate planning is extremely important, but with the advent of DIY will platforms like LegalZoom, it’s more and more common for people to ask: “Do I need an estate planning attorney?”
Answer: Yes, You Need an Estate Planning Attorney
Trust me – you don’t know what you don’t know, and that’s what is dangerous about creating a will (let alone a full estate plan) without the assistance of an estate planning attorney. The law surrounding wills and trusts in North Carolina is complex and effective planning is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Each estate plan should be tailored to the needs and wishes of each person or family. The best way to do that is to meet with an estate planning attorney to go over your options.
Save Money and Hassle with an Estate Planning Attorney
Many people think buying a LegalZoom will for $69 online is a great way to save money on estate planning, versus spending more for an attorney. While that seems correct at the outset, in the long-run DIY wills can cost you and your loved ones much more in legal fees for an attorney to fix what is wrong with your will, or probate a defective will.
It’s easier to meet with an experienced estate planning attorney to begin.
Contact an Estate Planning Attorney to Create Your Will or Trust
Do it right the first time – contact an experienced estate planning attorney instead of creating your own plan. You won’t regret it.
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.
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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
DISCLAIMER: The law firm of Cary Estate Planning cannot and does not represent you until our client intake process is completed. Further, we reserve the right to accept or decline to represent any person or organization in any matter. Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice.