It is never wrong to want to grow and learn more about the way our actions and decisions can impact our future. But does taking a few courses online really make you an expert?
You see, I have a pair of scissors. They are wonderful scissors – they are balanced in my hand, hold an edge, and can cut almost anything. I use them to cut fabric and yarn with precision and control. But, I don’t use them to cut my hair, even though I can use scissors to cut many different things, I don’t use them to cut my hair or anyone else. If I were to cut my own hair, I’d probably have a “bowl cut” or jagged chunks missing. Just because I can use a pair of scissors in many ways, it doesn’t mean I should use them to cut my own hair. Instead, I pay a professional to cut my hair.
Similarly, with estates and trusts work, I speak to lots of clients who can read, write, and speak in English and can do so really well. So, they can read articles on the internet, research the Maryland probate code, and speak to their friends about estate planning and probate administration. But, just because you can read and write about the facts of estate planning, doesn’t mean you know the key implications of your legal actions.
For example, clients come to me with wills that they have written themselves. More often than not the will is invalid or missing a dispositive paragraph. It may not have been signed properly, the witnesses might not be people who can serve in that role, and maybe the client gave all of their money to their sister instead of their children. Don’t get me wrong, we encourage the enthusiasm to have your will completed, but let’s save time, money, and potential heartache, and do it right by getting the proper legal guidance.
Clients also come to me with probate administration issues where something went terribly wrong. The wrong forms were filed, and the income wasn’t properly disclosed to the IRS or promptly distributed to beneficiaries. Or a trust was not set up to avoid estate taxes and as a result, a large payment is due to the Comptroller or the IRS. Sometimes I can cure the problem, however sometimes what’s done cannot be fixed. I want to save you the frustration and invite you to include an attorney in this process from the beginning.
Remember – just because you can do something does not mean you should. If you want to make sure your money goes where you intend it to be given, or you want to properly and efficiently settle your loved one’s estate – do yourself a favor and hire a professional. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.