DIY Estate Planning vs. Hiring an Attorney: What to Know Before You Download Your Will
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and assets. With the rise of DIY legal websites like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Trust & Will, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. These services promise affordability and convenience—but do they really provide the protection you need?
And I get it—DIY estate planning can be appealing. My husband and I even tried it ourselves.
Before taking our first kid-free trip to Colorado—the furthest we’d ever traveled without our daughter—we panicked. What if something happened to us? We needed a will ASAP. In our rush, we turned to an online DIY estate planning service. Based on my experience, I’m sharing the lessons I learned.
Was it easy?
Yes and no. The process was fully online, which made it accessible, and the platform walked us through a series of questions like TurboTax. But here's the problem: The platform didn't explain what was being created or why certain choices mattered. I wasn't working in estate planning at the time, but even with a legal background, I didn't feel confident that we had a secure plan in place for our daughter if something were to happen.
Was it affordable?
Yes and no. The advertised price looked great at first, but as I worked through the platform, extra features and necessary add-ons started inflating the cost. By the end, the total was nearly double what I expected!
Was it effective?
No. Sure, I got the documents drafted and printed (after a frustrating battle with my printer that involved new ink and troubleshooting why it wouldn’t connect to my laptop), but then came the biggest hurdle—execution.
I needed a notary for my power of attorney documents and two witnesses for our wills. Finding people to help in a timely manner was inconvenient, and, well… I never did. To this day, those documents sit in a folder in my office, completely unexecuted and legally useless.
The truth is, even without the printer issues or time constraints, most people can print the forms, but put off the final step. It’s inconvenient, time-consuming, and easy to procrastinate. DIY estate planning might seem simple, but the reality is that an unexecuted or improperly executed document is the same as having no plan at all—leaving your family unprotected when they need it most.
How Working With a Firm Like Ballinger Legal Fixes These Problems
At Ballinger Legal, we take the guesswork and hassle out of estate planning. We ensure your estate plan is not only legally sound but also easy to execute and manage. Here’s how we solve the common issues DIY estate planning platforms fail to address:
We handle the logistics – We print your documents for you, with copies for all named executors and appointees.
Execution made easy – We ensure your documents are properly signed, witnessed, and notarized—so they’re legally valid.
Online convenience – Enter your information securely online, then meet with attorney Valerie Ballinger for a consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.
Flexible scheduling options – Consultations are available via Google Hangout in the evening or on weekends from the comfort of your home.
Transparent pricing – No hidden fees or surprise add-ons— we have flat fee billing for a plan tailored to protect your family.
Ongoing support and accessibility – We are here for you even after your estate plan is complete. If you have future questions or need updates, we make it easy to get the help you need.
Your Legacy Deserves More Than a Template
DIY estate planning seemed easy—until I realized my documents weren’t executed or reliable. If something had happened, they wouldn’t have protected my family.
Your estate plan should be more than just paperwork—it should be a solid, legally sound plan.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Schedule a consultation today and secure your family’s future with confidence.
