There is No Such Thing as a “Common” or “Standard” Estate Plan

March 18, 2024

If the internet is to be believed, there are plenty of options for “standard” DIY estate planning available for free out there. You just plug and play and you’re done! Except, there’s rarely anything “common” or “standard” about an estate plan from one individual to the next.

Every individual who walks through our doors brings a unique blend of life experiences, family backgrounds, and professional accomplishments. What’s common about these people is their need for simplified estate planning that provides peace of mind for them and their loved ones. Their plans, in turn, must blend a variety of planning tools to fulfill those goals.

By working closely with an estate planning attorney, you can minimize the tax implications for your heirs, maintain accessibility to your assets, ensure your possessions are allocated according to your wishes, and protect your legacy.

Your Estate Plan Should Reflect Your Reality

Your estate plan is more than just a compilation of documents or a series of boxes to be checked off a list. When you sit down with us at Schlegel Livingston, we dive into the fabric of your life.

Do you have children? What assets are under your name? Who is listed as the beneficiary on your investment accounts? These questions only scratch the surface of our holistic approach to understanding your unique situation.

Your estate plan must be a reflection of your reality, tailored to accommodate the specific needs of your life and your goals. Some small estates don’t demand extensive or complex planning while larger estates are more nuanced and layered. Unlike the one-size-fits-all solutions often suggested online, we recognize that the complexity and needs of your estate plan vary significantly based on the size and nature of your assets.

Is a DIY Estate Plan Good Enough for Your Legacy?

Your estate plan ultimately becomes your lasting legacy – so, should your legacy be left to chance through a DIY online estate planning tool? Such approaches often result in plans that are caught up in probate thanks to unfunded trusts, clerical errors, and ambiguities.

While it’s tempting to opt for seemingly cost-effective solutions online, the reality is that these shortcuts may end up costing more in the long run. The risks associated with DIY estate planning are too great when compared to the personalized guidance and thoroughness offered by professional estate planning.

Get an Estate Plan Fit For Your Legacy

Schlegel Livingston is dedicated to simplifying the estate planning process for our Florida estate planning clients. Our goal is to ensure that you leave with peace of mind, confident that your estate plan thoroughly addresses your wishes and needs. We are here to assist with updates to your plan as your life and circumstances evolve. Contact our Ft. Lauderdale office for an estate plan that honors your legacy and safeguards your loved ones’ future.