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Online Estate Planning Services vs. Hiring a Lawyer: What’s Safer?

  • Writer: Tom
    Tom
  • May 20
  • 5 min read


In today’s fast-paced digital world, the convenience of online services has extended into areas that were once considered the exclusive domain of legal professionals. One such area is estate planning. With a growing number of platforms offering DIY wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, many people are left wondering: Is using an online estate planning service safe, or is hiring a lawyer the more secure option?


At The Real Estate Law Firm, we often encounter clients who started with online services and later turned to us to correct or revise documents that didn't meet legal requirements or failed to reflect their true intentions. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between online estate planning services and working with an experienced estate planning attorney—and help you determine which route offers greater safety and peace of mind.


Understanding Estate Planning: Why It Matters


Estate planning is more than just creating a will. It’s about protecting your assets, ensuring your wishes are honored, minimizing taxes, and avoiding costly disputes among your heirs. Common documents include:


  • Last Will and Testament

  • Living Trust

  • Power of Attorney

  • Advance Healthcare Directive

  • Guardianship Designations


Each of these documents must meet strict legal standards and reflect your unique circumstances, family dynamics, and asset structure.


Online Estate Planning Services: Pros and Cons


Online services like LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Rocket Lawyer have made estate planning more accessible. These platforms typically provide templated documents and step-by-step guidance for a relatively low cost.


Pros of Online Estate Planning:


  • Cost-effective: Prices often range from $50 to $500.

  • Convenient: Complete forms from home at your own pace.

  • Quick turnaround: Get downloadable documents instantly or within a few days.


Cons of Online Estate Planning:


  • Generic templates: One-size-fits-all documents that may not suit your state laws or complex estate needs.

  • Lack of legal advice: Most platforms are not allowed to offer actual legal counsel.

  • Risk of invalid documents: Errors, omissions, or noncompliance with local laws can invalidate your documents.

  • No litigation protection: If your documents are challenged in court, you’re on your own.


Many users assume their estate is “simple” and proceed with online tools. However, what appears simple may have underlying complications, especially involving blended families, minor children, real estate in multiple states, or business ownership.


Hiring a Lawyer for Estate Planning: Pros and Cons


Working with a licensed attorney—especially one with estate planning experience—offers a more customized and legally sound approach.


Pros of Hiring a Lawyer:


  • Tailored strategy: Your attorney can structure your estate plan to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and match your goals.

  • State law compliance: Estate laws vary by jurisdiction, and attorneys ensure your documents align with current regulations.

  • Future-proofing: Attorneys account for contingencies, guardianship, digital assets, and evolving laws.

  • Risk mitigation: A lawyer’s work is protected by professional liability insurance, offering extra protection in case of mistakes.

  • Court support: If your documents are ever challenged, your attorney can represent your estate.


At The Real Estate Law Firm, our team doesn't just draft documents—we provide strategic estate planning that evolves with you. Whether you own a home, run a business, or have dependents, our approach ensures your legal and financial wishes are honored with precision.


Cons of Hiring a Lawyer:


  • Higher cost: Fees range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity.

  • Longer timelines: You may need multiple consultations before completion.

  • Requires appointments: Some face-to-face or virtual meetings are needed.


While the cost is higher, it’s important to weigh this against the potential expenses of probate litigation, tax errors, or improper asset distribution—all of which can far exceed an attorney’s fee.


Real-World Risks of Online-Only Planning


Consider these scenarios where online services fell short:


  • A woman in Illinois created a DIY will that didn’t comply with state witness requirements. When she passed away, the document was rejected in probate court—leaving her estate to be distributed under intestacy laws.

  • A man used an online trust form, but failed to transfer his home into the trust. As a result, his property had to go through probate.

  • A couple created reciprocal wills online but didn't consider their minor child’s guardianship. When both died unexpectedly, the guardianship was contested by multiple relatives.


In each of these cases, the users could have avoided costly errors with professional guidance. At The Real Estate Law Firm, we’ve helped families untangle such situations—often at a much greater financial and emotional cost than had the right plan been created from the start.


Which Option Is Safer?


Safety in estate planning comes down to legal validity, risk reduction, and ensuring your intentions are accurately executed. While online platforms are better than doing nothing, they are not a substitute for legal expertise.


Hiring a lawyer is unequivocally the safer choice—especially if:


  • You own real estate (particularly in multiple states)

  • You have minor children or dependents

  • You are a business owner

  • You have a blended family

  • You want to reduce estate taxes

  • You suspect your estate plan might be contested


What Does The Real Estate Law Firm Recommend?


We encourage clients to think long-term and ask themselves:


“Is saving a few hundred dollars today worth risking my family’s future security?”


At The Real Estate Law Firm, we specialize in personalized estate planning that provides legal clarity, asset protection, and peace of mind. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to review an existing plan, we offer thorough, compassionate guidance tailored to your needs.


We also offer virtual consultations and flat-fee packages to make professional estate planning more accessible.


Final Thoughts


Online estate planning services are tempting for their low cost and ease of use, but they may lack the legal depth needed to protect your legacy. For those who want true security, legal accuracy, and long-term peace of mind, hiring an experienced attorney remains the gold standard.


Let The Real Estate Law Firm help you create an estate plan that reflects your values, complies with state laws, and shields your loved ones from future disputes.


FAQs:


1. Is an online will legally binding?

Yes, but only if it meets all state-specific legal requirements, including witness and notarization rules.


2. Can I avoid probate with an online trust?

Only if your trust is properly funded. Online services often fail to guide users through funding their trust.


3. How much does estate planning cost with a lawyer?

Typically between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the complexity and number of documents needed.


4. What if I already made an online will—can a lawyer review it?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. The Real Estate Law Firm can review and update existing documents to ensure they’re valid and effective.


5. Are online services safe for single individuals with no children?

Possibly, but legal review is still advised to avoid unintentional errors or tax implications.


6. Can I create a power of attorney online?

Yes, but incorrect execution or missing state-specific language can make it unenforceable.


7. Do lawyers help with healthcare directives and guardianship?

Absolutely. These are critical parts of a full estate plan and are often overlooked in DIY platforms.


8. What happens if I die without a valid will?

Your estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes.


9. Can online services protect me from estate taxes?

Not effectively. Tax-saving strategies require tailored legal and financial planning.


10. How do I start estate planning with The Real Estate Law Firm?

You can contact us for a free consultation to assess your needs and choose the right planning package.


 
 
 

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