Planning for the future can feel uncomfortable, yet most people reach a point where they realize how important it is to leave clear instructions behind. A will is often the first document they think about, and many wonder whether they truly need a lawyer to prepare one. While it might seem simple to download a form or write a few lines on paper, wills are more complicated than they appear. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Buffalo estate planning lawyer from Raimondo & Sundquist LLP to learn more about why it’s always best to have an attorney on your side.

15 Reasons Why You Need a Lawyer to Draft Your Will

Below are some of the most important reasons why drafting a will without a lawyer can expose you and your family to unnecessary risks:

  1. You may overlook the formal requirements needed to make a will legally valid in New York, which can result in the court rejecting the document entirely.
  2. You might use unclear language that leaves your intentions open to interpretation, potentially leading to family disagreements or even litigation.
  3. You can fail to properly account for all assets, including digital property, retirement accounts, or jointly owned property.
  4. You might not realize that certain assets cannot be transferred through a will, and the mistake could create conflicts between beneficiaries.
  5. You may accidentally create tax issues for loved ones, especially if you are unaware of how estate and inheritance rules work.
  6. You could name an executor without understanding the responsibilities involved, which may cause issues later on.
  7. You risk creating unequal distributions without an explanation, which can increase the likelihood of someone contesting the will.
  8. You may not plan for contingent beneficiaries, leaving gaps that the court must fill without your guidance.
  9. You might forget to address guardianship matters for minor children, which can leave the decision entirely in the hands of the court.
  10. You could unintentionally disinherit someone because you did not understand how default state laws work when instructions are unclear.
  11. You may fail to coordinate your will with other estate planning documents, such as powers of attorney or health care directives.
  12. You risk using online templates that are not tailored to NYS law and may not reflect your personal situation.
  13. You might misunderstand how to properly sign and witness the will, which can invalidate the entire document.
  14. You may not update your will after major life events, and without regular reviews, old instructions may no longer reflect your wishes.
  15. You could miss opportunities to simplify the probate process for your family, especially if your estate requires more advanced planning.

Ultimately, a will is one of the most personal documents you will ever prepare, and having it drafted correctly brings peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. If you have further questions or would like assistance drafting a comprehensive estate plan, please don’t hesitate to contact Raimondo & Sundquist LLP.