Understanding the Dangers Associated with Do-It-Yourself Online Estate Planning Tools
Online Estate Planning Tools
At Lincoln Legal Group, our Salt Lake City attorneys know that there is extraordinarily little that cannot be accomplished online. From vacation planning and concert tickets to all our household shopping needs — including tonight’s dinner — our phones, tablets, and computers can unveil nearly everything we need in just a few clicks. While these are simple and easy ways to get things done in less time, other services require a second look at the false sense of security they provide at first glance.
Although offered on countless platforms, promising ease, and protection, Estate Planning websites that help outline Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other important life decisions, should be left to the professionals.
Here, our Salt Lake County estate planning attorneys explain why.
Countless Disclaimers Can Leave Your Wishes in Question
Our Utah estate planning attorneys pride themselves on being transparent. We want each of our clients to understand how their futures will unfold from a legal standpoint when they create a Will or Trust for their families to follow. By sharing our legal knowledge, skills, and resources, our clients can make informed decisions about their complete estate planning goals.
The same cannot be said for online services. In fact, one of the first things users may notice when signing onto an online estate planning website is, a disclaimer stating they “do not provide legal services.”
This is often followed by another disclaimer that there is no guarantee the document is accurate, reliable, complete, or up to date with Utah laws, regulations, or administrative requirements.
If your Will or other important estate planning documents are not properly executed, they may be invalid from the beginning, which could lead to:
- Improper or delayed execution of your wishes due to unclear language.
- Disputes regarding the document’s details, opening the door to legal challenges between beneficiaries.
Unfortunately, online Will services leave significant room for error, which means the resulting problems may not be discovered until you are gone. Then, it is too late to clarify your intentions.
Confidentiality is Not Guaranteed
Unlike partnering with an experienced Salt Lake City estate planning attorney — where your conversations and personal data are protected by the attorney-client privilege — online communications can never be guaranteed as safe, confidential, or privileged.
Important estate planning decisions and legal strategies should be left to the professionals to ensure their proper execution. This protects both your wishes, and your family’s future.
Contact Our Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah Today
Partnering with our Utah estate planning attorneys at Lincoln Law Group allows you to ask important questions and provides immediate access to input that allows you to make informed decisions about the future of your estate — no matter how large or small it may be.
We are here to deliver tailored legal solutions that fit your unique needs.
Contact us today to discuss your estate planning strategy by calling 801-515-3545.
