Estate planning is one of those topics that many people know they should address, but often put off. When they finally get around to it, the temptation is strong to use an online service or DIY kit to save money and get it done quickly.
I understand the appeal. Online estate planning tools are convenient, seemingly affordable, and let you work at your own pace. These tools might provide adequate basic protection for some people with very straightforward situations.
As I work with families on their estate plans, I see situations almost daily where DIY approaches create problems that cost far more to fix than they would have cost to do correctly in the first place.
Let me explain when DIY estate planning might work, when it definitely doesn’t, and how to determine which approach is right for your family’s situation.
The Appeal of DIY Estate Planning
I won’t pretend that DIY estate planning doesn’t have advantages. Let me acknowledge what makes these services attractive before explaining their limitations.
Cost Considerations
DIY software can cost anywhere from $40 for a simple will to $700 for an estate plan for a married couple, including a trust. Most estate planning packages range between $100 and $400.
Compare that to attorney fees, which generally run $400-800 for joint will packages, while joint trust packages range from $1,500-4,000.
That cost difference can be significant for young families just starting out or people in straightforward situations.
Convenience and Control
Online tools allow you to work at your own pace and in your own time, and you might be more motivated to get started if you can do this independently.
There’s something to be said for being able to create basic documents from your kitchen table rather than scheduling appointments and coordinating with professionals.
Better Than Nothing
Here’s an important point: a DIY will or trust is generally better than no estate plan. 60% of people haven’t created a will or made any estate planning documents, leaving their assets unprotected.
If the choice is between a basic DIY plan and no plan, the DIY option wins every time.
When DIY Estate Planning Can Work
Let me clarify situations where online estate planning tools might provide adequate protection.
Very Simple Situations
If you’re young, single, have minimal assets, and want everything to go to one or two people, a basic online will might be sufficient for now.
“Very simple” typically means:
- Under $100,000 in total assets
- No real estate ownership
- No minor children
- No complicated family dynamics
- Clear, straightforward wishes about asset distribution
Temporary Solutions
Sometimes, DIY planning serves as a temporary solution while you organize your finances or save up for professional help.
Having basic documents in place while you prepare for more comprehensive planning can provide some protection during the transition period.
Supplemental Documents
Certain estate planning documents, like basic advance directives or simple powers of attorney, can sometimes be adequately handled through quality online services if your situation is straightforward.
Where DIY Estate Planning Falls Short
Let’s talk about where online tools and DIY approaches often create problems that cost families significant money and stress later.
State Law Complexity
Estate planning laws vary significantly from state to state. What works in California might not work in Michigan. Online tools often use generic language that might not comply with specific state requirements or take advantage of state-specific benefits.
Each state has different:
- Witness and notarization requirements
- Community property vs. common law rules
- Homestead exemptions
- Trust administration procedures
- Tax implications
Tax Planning Limitations
Tax planning is where DIY approaches often create the most expensive mistakes. Online tools typically can’t address:
Generation-skipping transfer tax strategies
Charitable remainder trusts
Grantor trust structures
State-specific tax advantages
Business succession tax planning
For families with estates over $13 million (the 2025 federal exemption), inadequate tax planning can result in hundreds of thousands or even millions in unnecessary taxes.
Family Dynamics
Every family has unique dynamics that generic templates can’t address. I’ve seen DIY plans create conflicts because they didn’t account for:
Blended family situations with multiple marriages
Children with different financial needs or capabilities
Family members with addiction or spending problems
Disability considerations
Geographic dispersion of family members
Asset Titling and Funding Issues
Creating trust documents is only half the job. The other half is properly transferring assets into the trust, which is called “funding.” Many DIY plans fail completely here.
I regularly see families who created online trusts but never transferred their houses, investment accounts, or business interests into them. When they pass away, the family discovers that the trust is essentially worthless because it doesn’t actually own anything.
Business Ownership Complications
DIY estate planning is almost always inadequate if you own a business, partnership interest, or professional practice. These situations require specialized planning for:
Business valuation and transfer strategies
Buy-sell agreements
Succession planning
Tax optimization
Liquidity planning for estate taxes
Real-World Consequences of DIY Mistakes
Let me share some examples of what happens when DIY estate planning goes wrong.
The Unfunded Trust Problem
A successful small business owner used an online service to create a revocable trust, proud of saving thousands in attorney fees. When he passed away, his family discovered that while he had a beautifully written trust document, he had never transferred his business, investment accounts, or real estate into the trust.
Everything went through probate anyway. Probate fees can be pretty substantial, with attorney’s fees and court costs potentially taking up to 5% of an estate’s value, and the average uncontested probate may take longer than a year.
The family spent more on probate costs and delays than professional estate planning would have cost initially.
Tax Planning Oversights
Another family used online tools to create what they thought was tax-efficient planning. They didn’t realize their state had different rules for trust taxation than the online tool assumed.
The result was unnecessary state income taxes of nearly $15,000 per year. Over time, this mistake cost far more than comprehensive professional planning would have cost.
Guardianship Issues
A couple with young children used an online will that included guardianship nominations. However, the document didn’t include the necessary language for the guardian to access funds for the children’s care, and it didn’t address what would happen if their first choice wasn’t available.
When tragedy struck, the family had to go through expensive court proceedings to sort out the children’s financial care and modify the guardianship arrangements.
When You Definitely Need an Estate Planning Advisor
Based on my experience working with families, here are situations where DIY estate planning typically isn’t sufficient and you should consider working with an estate planning advisor.
Significant Assets
If your estate is worth more than $500,000, professional guidance from an estate planning advisor usually pays for itself through better tax planning, asset protection strategies, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Real Estate Ownership
Owning real estate, especially in multiple states, creates complications that online tools often can’t handle properly. An estate planning advisor can help with:
- Avoiding probate in multiple states
- State-specific property tax advantages
- Transfer tax optimization
- Asset protection strategies
Minor Children
Parents of minor children need more than basic guardianship nominations. Comprehensive estate planning addresses:
- Financial management for children’s inheritance
- Educational funding strategies
- Special needs considerations
- Age-appropriate distribution schedules
- Backup plans if primary guardians aren’t available
Blended Families
Second marriages, stepchildren, and blended families require careful planning to balance competing interests. Generic templates can’t address:
- Providing for a current spouse while preserving inheritance for children from previous marriages
- Coordinating with existing support obligations
- Managing family dynamics and potential conflicts
Business Ownership
Any business ownership, from a small LLC to a major corporation, requires specialized planning that DIY tools can’t provide. An estate planning advisor experienced with business succession can coordinate these complex strategies.
Complex Family Situations
Families dealing with addiction, mental health issues, financial irresponsibility, or special needs require individualized planning that considers each family member’s specific circumstances.
Charitable Goals
If you want to include charitable giving in your estate plan, professional guidance can help structure gifts for maximum tax efficiency and family benefit.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Mistakes
When people choose DIY estate planning to save money, they often don’t consider the potential long-term costs of getting it wrong.
Probate Costs
Improperly executed documents or unfunded trusts often result in probate anyway. Attorney’s fees and court costs may take up to 5% of an estate’s value.
Family Conflicts
Ambiguous language or incomplete planning often leads to family disputes. Legal fees to resolve these conflicts can easily exceed the cost of proper initial planning.
Tax Penalties
Missing tax planning opportunities or creating unintended consequences can cost thousands of unnecessary taxes annually.
Lost Opportunities
Poor planning might miss opportunities for asset protection, tax optimization, or charitable giving that could have provided significant benefits.
What Professional Estate Planning Actually Provides
You get more than document preparation when you work with qualified estate planning advisors.
Comprehensive Analysis
Professional estate planning advisors analyze your financial situation, family dynamics, and goals to create integrated strategies.
State-Specific Expertise
Qualified attorneys understand state-specific laws and can structure plans to take advantage of local benefits while avoiding state-specific pitfalls.
Tax Optimization
Experienced estate planning advisors can implement strategies to minimize estate, gift, income, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
Implementation Support
Professional services include helping you adequately fund trusts, retitle assets, and coordinate with other advisors.
Ongoing Relationship
Estate plans need regular updates as laws change and life circumstances evolve. Professional relationships provide ongoing support and updates.
Family Communication
Experienced estate planning advisors can help facilitate family discussions about estate planning goals and minimize potential conflicts.
Coordination with Investment Strategies
One of the key advantages of working with comprehensive estate planning advisors is their ability to coordinate estate planning with your investment strategies. This coordination can optimize tax efficiency, asset protection, and wealth transfer goals in ways that DIY tools cannot match.
How to Choose the Right Approach
Here are questions to help determine whether DIY planning might work for your situation or whether an estate planning advisor is worth the investment.
About Your Situation
Asset Complexity: Do you own real estate, business interests, or have assets over $500,000?
Family Situation: Do you have minor children, a blended family, or complex family dynamics?
Geographic Considerations: Do you own property in multiple states or plan to move?
Tax Concerns: Could estate or gift taxes affect your situation?
About Your Comfort Level
Legal Complexity: Are you comfortable researching and understanding state-specific legal requirements?
Implementation: Can you handle transferring assets, updating beneficiaries, and coordinating with financial institutions?
Updates: Will you remember to update documents when laws change or life circumstances evolve?
About Your Priorities
Cost vs. Risk: Are you comfortable with the risk of costly mistakes to save on upfront costs?
Time Investment: Do you have time to research, implement, and maintain your estate plan properly?
Peace of Mind: Is the confidence that comes with professional oversight important to you?
The Middle Ground Approach
For some families, a hybrid approach makes sense.
Start with Professional Planning
To establish proper structure and documentation, begin with comprehensive professional planning with an estate planning advisor. This ensures your foundation is solid and legally sound.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once you have proper documents, routine updates might be handled through online tools or simple attorney services.
Regular Professional Reviews
Schedule periodic reviews with estate planning advisors to ensure your plan stays current with law changes and life circumstances.
What to Look for in Estate Planning Advisors
If you decide to work with professional estate planning advisors, consider these factors.
Qualifications and Experience
Look for attorneys who specialize in estate planning and regularly handle situations similar to yours. Consider credentials like:
- Board certification in estate planning
- Advanced degrees in taxation (LL.M.)
- Experience with similar family situations
Comprehensive Approach
Choose estate planning advisors who coordinate estate planning with overall financial planning, tax strategies, and family goals.
Communication Style
Find advisors who clearly explain complex concepts and involve you in planning. Confidence, not arrogance, should guide their approach.
Fee Transparency
Understand exactly what services you’re receiving and how fees are structured. Some attorneys charge flat fees for specific services, while others use hourly billing.
Team Approach
Many complex situations benefit from teams that include estate planning attorneys, tax professionals, financial advisors, and insurance specialists working together.
Implementation Is Key
Proper implementation is critical whether you choose DIY or professional estate planning with an advisor.
Asset Titling
Ensure assets are properly titled to work with your estate plan. This might mean transferring property into trust names or updating beneficiary designations.
Regular Updates
Estate plans need updates when:
- Laws change
- Family circumstances change
- Financial situations evolve
- You move to a different state
Family Communication
Ensure family members understand your wishes and know where to find essential documents and information.
Document Storage
Keep original documents safe but accessible. Provide copies to appropriate family members and advisors.
The Bottom Line
DIY estate planning can work for people with simple situations who understand the risks and limitations. But for most families, especially those with significant assets, complex situations, or important family considerations, working with qualified estate planning advisors provides value that far exceeds the cost.
Sixteen percent of people with a trust, will, or estate plan created it without consulting a professional. While this might work for some, it often leaves families with inadequate protection when they need it most.
What you see is what you get. If you choose DIY planning, ensure you understand exactly what you’re getting and, more importantly, what you might be missing.
For many families, we’re in the don’t screw it up phase of life. Estate planning mistakes can cost your family thousands of unnecessary taxes, probate costs, and conflicts. The peace of mind from knowing your plan is comprehensive, properly implemented, and legally sound is worth far more than the cost savings of DIY alternatives.
Remember, estate planning isn’t just about having documents. It’s about creating a comprehensive strategy that protects your family and achieves your goals. Professional estate planning advisors help ensure your plan works when your family needs it most.
Sources
- Vanilla – Estate Planning Statistics and Facts You Need to Know https://www.justvanilla.com/blog/estate-planning-statistics-and-facts-you-need-to-know
- Grow Law Firm – Top Estate Planning Law Statistics and Trends for 2025 https://growlawfirm.com/blog/estate-planning-law-statistics
- Sprouse Shrader Smith – Estate Planning Attorneys vs. DIY Estate Planning Services https://www.sprouselaw.com/estate-planning-attorneys-vs-diy-estate-planning-services/
- FindLaw – Deciding Between an Attorney or Online Forms for Estate Planning https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/deciding-between-an-attorney-or-online-forms-for-estate-planning/
- Thomas McKenzie Law – DIY vs Estate Planning Attorney in California: Pros and Cons https://www.thomasmckenzielaw.com/diy-vs-hiring-an-estate-planning-attorney-in-california-pros-and-cons/
- LegalZoom – How Much Does Estate Planning Cost? 2025 Guide https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/estate-planning-cost
- Lawyers.com – How Much Does Estate Planning Cost With and Without an Attorney? https://legal-info.lawyers.com/trusts-estates/cost-of-creating-an-estate-plan-and-administering-an-estate/how-much-does-an-estate-planning-attorney-cost.html
- Fritch Law – The Cost Conundrum: Will vs. Trust https://fritchlaw.com/2025/05/22/average-cost-of-a-trust-and-will/
- Margerie Law – How Much Does Estate Planning Really Cost? https://www.margerielaw.com/how-much-does-estate-planning-cost/
- Fidelity – Estate planning: do you need one? https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/do-you-need-an-estate-plan
- American Bar Association – Estate Planning Information & FAQs https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment advisory services offered through Summit Financial, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 8434399.1.
Meta Description: Learn when you need professional help beyond basic estate planning documents. Discover how advisors coordinate estate and investment strategies.
Keywords: estate planning advisor, estate planning
