TO DO, OR NOT TO DO-IT-YOURSELF

A great deal of self-help is possible by the lay person who takes time to educate him/herself. But people do need attorneys in most estate planning, probate and other legal situations - at least for a consultation, or to answer some questions.

My Crash Course email reveals there are many, many good folks out there who haven't read up on their subject, have no clue what is going on, won't call a lawyer - - and are clearly on the way to messing up their situations badly.

So keep in mind:   This is NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR INTENDED AS A "DO-IT-YOURSELF" guide.

Of course, not all "do-it-yourselfers" are doomed to failure, but they take a substantial risk of overlooking a potential "complication" that would be obvious to an attorney.

Yes, will-preparation software can produce adequate results, in truly simple situations. Software, however, does not fully deal with the particular details, contingencies and very specific issues that are likely to be critically important to your family. Some clients use software programs just to learn a little, and "get something on paper" before consulting a lawyer. This is a fine idea.