ABA Family Legal Guide

Estate Planning

Estate-Planning Basics

Working with a Lawyer

Should I consult a lawyer as I plan my estate?

If your estate is relatively small and your objectives straightforward, you might plan your estate mostly on your own, with the help of the ABA's Guide to Wills and Estates and other resource materials, and use professional help largely for tasks like writing a will or a trust. However, a caveat is in order. "How-to" guides can assist you as you start the estate-planning process. But before finalizing anything, consult with an experienced estate lawyer to make sure that your property goes exactly where you want it to; that your family is protected fully; and that you are assured of proper care in the case of incapacity.

As a general rule, the larger your estate, the more important it is to consult a lawyer. You should most certainly use a lawyer if you own a business, if your estate nears or exceeds $1.5 million (making tax planning a factor under current federal law), or if you anticipate a challenge to the will from a disgruntled relative or anyone else.