Business Insight presented by Navigant Law Group, LLC Abandon DIY and Embrace DIR It's been more than 20 years since the expanding range of cable television channels launched the Do It Yourself (DIY) revolution. I can only imagine how many sledgehammers, plumber's wrenches, and even backhoes have been sold. My guess is that there are those who have the aptitude to do household DIY projects well, but there may be more who have some regret; not to mention a stack of no-longer- used tools. I know of some people who have taken the DIY approach to legal matters as well. There is no shortage of commercials promoting the ease and savings that allegedly come with bypassing a law firm and creating your own legal documents. While the upfront financial cost is far less than buying tools to build an addition on your home, the long-term cost could be far greater. I'll admit that when an attorney drafts a will, trust, or other estate planning documents, we start with a template, as much of the language is Attorney Mildred Palmer drafting and customizing is critical to getting the work done right. It's also important to know that laws that govern estate plan elements vary from state to state. The folks selling the same in all cases. The key word you templates on late night TV aren't offering you documents based on in that last sentence is "much". If which state you live in. Further, once you don't know the differences and nuances, the template you used will most likely not be valid when it comes time to enact your wishes. Knowing which template to use is the first step. documents are completed, there are processes that must follow such as funding an estate, or else even the best-written plan is of little value. I know some of you just like to do A good attorney or law firm will spend things and to get your hands dirty many years developing and revising doing work. Trust me, when you do those templates; and even then, an estate plan with Navigant Law, laws change, so whatever we have there is plenty you do yourself-we developed needs to be revised again. have a homework packet you need to When you install a cabinet at complete before we get together and home, your spouse or friends might after signature we give you guidance compliment you on the work, even if a for implementation. This ensures that hinge is crooked or there is a small gap the documents used not only meet between sections. But when you go your intentions, but are complete, before a judge to administer an estate, accurate, and enforceable. they aren't looking to applaud you for When it comes to estate planning, the effort. There are laws and statutes we suggest you abandon DIY and that must be upheld, and if your embrace DIR - Do It Right. Give us a documents don't meet the prevailing call at 847-253-8800 and Let's Chart legal standard, they are invalid. Understanding the options NAVIGANT LAW GROUP LLC for Your Course! 847-253-8800 | www.navigantlaw.com 3030 W. Salt Creek Lane, Suite 330, Arlington Heights Business Insight presented by Navigant Law Group , LLC Abandon DIY and Embrace DIR It's been more than 20 years since the expanding range of cable television channels launched the Do It Yourself ( DIY ) revolution . I can only imagine how many sledgehammers , plumber's wrenches , and even backhoes have been sold . My guess is that there are those who have the aptitude to do household DIY projects well , but there may be more who have some regret ; not to mention a stack of no - longer- used tools . I know of some people who have taken the DIY approach to legal matters as well . There is no shortage of commercials promoting the ease and savings that allegedly come with bypassing a law firm and creating your own legal documents . While the upfront financial cost is far less than buying tools to build an addition on your home , the long - term cost could be far greater . I'll admit that when an attorney drafts a will , trust , or other estate planning documents , we start with a template , as much of the language is Attorney Mildred Palmer drafting and customizing is critical to getting the work done right . It's also important to know that laws that govern estate plan elements vary from state to state . The folks selling the same in all cases . The key word you templates on late night TV aren't offering you documents based on in that last sentence is " much " . If which state you live in . Further , once you don't know the differences and nuances , the template you used will most likely not be valid when it comes time to enact your wishes . Knowing which template to use is the first step . documents are completed , there are processes that must follow such as funding an estate , or else even the best - written plan is of little value . I know some of you just like to do A good attorney or law firm will spend things and to get your hands dirty many years developing and revising doing work . Trust me , when you do those templates ; and even then , an estate plan with Navigant Law , laws change , so whatever we have there is plenty you do yourself - we developed needs to be revised again . have a homework packet you need to When you install a cabinet at complete before we get together and home , your spouse or friends might after signature we give you guidance compliment you on the work , even if a for implementation . This ensures that hinge is crooked or there is a small gap the documents used not only meet between sections . But when you go your intentions , but are complete , before a judge to administer an estate , accurate , and enforceable . they aren't looking to applaud you for When it comes to estate planning , the effort . There are laws and statutes we suggest you abandon DIY and that must be upheld , and if your embrace DIR - Do It Right . Give us a documents don't meet the prevailing call at 847-253-8800 and Let's Chart legal standard , they are invalid . Understanding the options NAVIGANT LAW GROUP LLC for Your Course ! 847-253-8800 | www.navigantlaw.com 3030 W. Salt Creek Lane , Suite 330 , Arlington Heights