There has no doubt been an increased awareness of the need for estate planning since the COVID pandemic. There has also been an increase in commercials for online estate planning services.
“Just answer a few questions” is what they claim.
But what they don’t tell the unknowing consumer is that if they answer a question wrong, if the software has a glitch, or if other errors occur, there could be repercussions not just for them, but for their loved ones after they are gone.
While completing the questionnaire for these online estate planning programs, there could be more than one answer that applies, and the person answering the questions may not fully understand their choices. What the client thinks they want and what is best for them, and their family, may not necessarily be the same thing.
Further, who is doing the final review of the document to make sure that it meets the client’s goals, flows in a coherent manner, and is free of typos?
I picture a Last Will & Testament that looks like a ransom note:
What is worse is that these commercials are being advertised in markets where the audience has at least an interest in sophisticated investment strategies and complicated assets that a simple will may not even cover.
Although it is great to have a low-cost option because estate planning is important for people in all economic situations, it is also important that a client perform a cost/benefit analysis when determining how to establish their estate plan.
Taking care of your family after you are gone is so important. It is worth spending the extra money to have a licensed attorney draft these documents. As attorneys, it is important to communicate this to your clients!
Here at Attorney Services, in addition to assisting with paralegal tasks for estate planning attorneys, we can also assist with content creation and marketing to help you communicate this to your current and potential clients in the most effective manner.
Contact us today to see how we can help you!
