Heston & Heston
Why hire a estate planning attorney
Estate planning documents must comply with your state's specific formalities — witness requirements, notarization rules, and execution procedures vary significantly. An attorney ensures your documents are legally valid where you live.
DIY wills and online templates may miss critical provisions for your situation. An attorney can identify issues like blended family dynamics, business ownership, special needs dependents, or multi-state property that generic forms don't address.
Without a proper estate plan, your state's default intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets — and those defaults may not match your wishes. An attorney helps you make intentional decisions about your legacy.
Trusts can provide benefits like avoiding probate, protecting assets, and managing distributions over time. An attorney can evaluate whether a trust makes sense for your situation and structure it properly under your state's trust laws.
Frequently asked about estate planning
Do I need a will if I don't own much?
Yes. A will names guardians for minor children, designates who handles your affairs, and prevents disputes — even if your assets are modest. Without a will, your state's intestacy rules decide who inherits, which may not match your intentions.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect at death and goes through probate (court supervision). A revocable living trust avoids probate and can manage assets during incapacity. Trusts are more expensive to set up but cheaper at the back end for larger or multi-state estates.
Do I need a power of attorney?
Two types matter: financial (for managing money and property) and healthcare (for medical decisions). Without them, your family may need to go to court for guardianship if you become incapacitated — slow, expensive, and intrusive.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review every 3–5 years and after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth or death of family member, significant asset changes, or moving to a different state. State laws vary, so a move often requires updates.