There are many internet sites, television and radio ads telling us how easy it is to write your own Will. You may have even heard a family member (usually an old-timer) talk about a hand-written Will but don’t tell you about the dangers. Please, we beg of you: Don’t go the do-it-yourself route.
Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger wrote his own will – all 176 words – and you might assume that with his knowledge of the law, he got it right. Well, guess again. His family paid the price, owing over $450,000 in estate taxes and court fees that could have been avoided.
Please, don’t try to write your own Estate Plan. It isn’t as simple as those do-it-yourself places make it out to be. Even a Supreme Court Justice screwed it up! Yes, a handwritten Will on a napkin is legal, but if you don’t know the requirements for a valid Will, you are opening a big can of worms. Hire a qualified attorney and rest assured that your documents are thorough and correct. The cost of an attorney is much less than the cost associated with correcting a mistake after you are gone. And the peace of mind? That’s priceless.
Tessmer Law Firm, P.L.L.C. can assist you with a complete Estate Plan suited to your individual needs. Contact us today for a consultation at 210-368-9708. Remember, we are your San Antonio attorneys putting families first!
