10 reasons people don’t want to hire an attorney to prepare their Last Will and Testament

10 reasons people don’t want to hire an attorney to prepare their Last Will and Testament

1. Cost Concerns: Legal fees can be perceived as high, especially for those with simple estate planning needs. Some may opt for DIY options to save money, not realizing the potential long-term cost of errors or omissions in self-made wills.
2. Procrastination: The thought of confronting mortality can be uncomfortable, leading individuals to delay estate planning, including making a will. Procrastination often results in people putting off the task until it becomes urgent or too late.
3. Overestimation of Estate Complexity: Some may assume their estate isn’t significant or complicated enough to warrant a will. They might believe that their assets will automatically pass to their loved ones without the need for legal documentation.
4. Perceived Difficulty or Intimidation: Legal jargon and the complexities of estate law can be daunting. Some individuals might feel intimidated by the legal process and believe creating a will is a difficult or overly complicated task.
5. Preference for DIY Solutions: DIY will kits or online templates are easily accessible, and some people might feel confident in using these to draft their will without the involvement of an attorney.
6. Lack of Awareness: Many individuals may not fully understand the importance and benefits of having a professionally drafted will. They might not be aware of the potential consequences of not having a will, such as potential disputes or uncertainties over asset distribution.
7. Misconceptions about Inheritance: Some might believe that their assets will automatically pass to their desired beneficiaries without a will, disregarding the complexities of intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed if there is no will in place.
8. Reluctance to Discuss End-of-Life Matters: Planning for the end of life can be emotionally challenging for many. Some people avoid the process of making a will because it forces them to confront mortality and contemplate difficult decisions.
9. Trust in Informal Arrangements: Individuals may rely on verbal agreements, assuming their family will honor their wishes without a formal legal document in place. Unfortunately, this informal approach can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts among heirs.
10. Unawareness of Changing Circumstances: Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or the acquisition of significant assets should prompt a review and update of one’s will. However, many people might be unaware of the necessity of updating their will when such changes occur.