Estate planning document preparation is becoming a commoditized industry now that companies like LegalZoom can sell their forms in most every state in the US. But, is it really a good idea to use DIY Estate Planning? No. No it’s not.
While you may be able to save a buck or two (read: hundreds) on your legal document preparation, the potential for error can cost significantly down the road, potentially after you’re gone. Rarely do canned documents achieve exactly what you need in an estate plan. When you are considering a complex estate plan that will achieve multiple objectives, canned forms just won’t cut it.
The value in using a cheap document service is quickly erased when your family attempts to probate your will and ends up with a defective document. Or, if you just simply messed up in drafting it – it’ll be too late if the error is discovered during probate.
Estate planning is not something to take lightly or attempt to DIY. Meeting with an attorney who is experienced in Estate Planning is worth the time and money to get the estate plan that you want and need, without issues down the road. It’s an investment in the security of your family, not something that should be done on the cheap.
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
