Think Twice About Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans

Sowards Law Firm

We hear this question all the time: “Don’t I just grab a will of the internet, do a transfer-on-death deed for my land, use my kids as beneficiaries, and be done with my estate planning?” It’s just not a good idea. For the plan to work as you would want it to, it should account for plenty of complications. A good plan should protect your spouse and your children from the loss of valuable government benefits if anybody is or becomes disabled. The plan should avoid the delay and expense of probate court. The plan should protect money from children’s creditors or divorce or remarriage. It should be crafted to serve family harmony and to avoid disputes between children as joint owners.

Even a relatively simple situation is made up of many moving parts. Internet documents and joint-ownership devices just won’t do the job.

Also, assembling the moving parts so they work smoothly is just the first step. Your estate plan needs maintenance too, just like your car has a “check engine” light. Major family events like serious illness or death, marriage, birth, or financial reversals are alerts that you should tune up your plan to reflect those changes. Your plan shouldn’t be “one and done.”

It takes expertise to coordinate the various strategies available. Don’t risk a result that will cause your family problems and unnecessary expense. Call us to create a plan that harmonizes the moving parts, so the gears will work together and you will leave the legacy you intended. Please contact us today at (408) 371-6000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal matters.

Client Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Sowards Law Firm to create my estate plan, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. My company has a legal help portal where I discovered Sowards Law Firm, and I’m so glad I chose them. From the start, the entire process was incredibly smooth...

Prashant Joshi

They made it pretty easy for us to set up the legal entity we needed. Everyone we talked to was knowledgeable, professional, and considerate. We had to work around a difficult schedule, and the folks at Sowards made it work.

John Brawn

Everyone at Sowards Law Firm was extremely kind, helpful, and professional in helping me manage all of the legal work required after my husband passed away. They explained everything clearly, and focused on what would be the best options for me in the future. I’m grateful for their assistance and...

Lyn Savage

I have been working with Sowards Law Firm for all my estate needs and their service is impeccable, with the upmost professionalism. They walk you through scenarios in detail so that you can make informed decisions. I highly recommend this team.

Debra A

They made it SO EASY! Everything was explained and explored in regards to figuring out how to organize and structure. Very thoughtful and thorough. I will definitely recommend them, and have sent all of my clients their info to get their affairs in order.

Cindy Selleos

I used Sowards for my Estate planning needs. The firm provided excellent advice, and made the process very easy to complete in an expeditious manner. Each person that I interacted with was professional, friendly and competent. I have confidence that this multi-generational law practice is a solid...

Karen Bryant

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Certified Specialists in Estate Planning

Fill out the contact form or call us at (408) 371-6000 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message