Q: Can I just use a LegalZoom form to create a will or do I need to hire an attorney?

A: The answer to the question will be dependent on you and what is more important to you. If you value having a trusted advisor who knows your case in and out and you can come back to at any point in your life, you would be better off hiring an attorney. There are many able and skilled attorneys on this platform for you to choose from. Hope this helps.

A: An estate plan is more than just a will. When you meet with an experienced estate planning attorney, you and the attorney review all of your assets, how they are titled, whether there are beneficiary designations that may need to be updated to work together with your will, what are your liabilities, whether you may wish to include some asset protection planning in case you may need skilled nursing care someday, and what asset transfers you should avoid to qualify for skilled nursing benefits, just to name a few. Then based on your wishes and goals, the estate planning attorney will be able to recommend documents that will carry out your wishes and provide additional recommendations for your beneficiary designations for assets that will pass outside your will.

Having legal advice is especially important if you wish for a portion of your estate to be held in trust for minor children, grandchildren, or adults with special needs. Various trusts can be included as part of your will (testamentary trusts) to take effect upon your passing. I believe that the few hundred dollars that estate planning with attorney may cost, even when it exceeds the cost of an online will, is well worth it. You should be able to find a reasonably priced estate planning attorney in your area.