5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer to Make Your Will Today

You’ve been meaning to make a will for… how long now? A year? Five years? You’re not alone. Most Americans don’t have a will, and even fewer have one that’s actually legally sound. But that is not good. Thinking about wills and trusts feels morbid. Plus, there are all those online services promising you can DIY it for $99. So do you need a lawyer to make a will? Let’s talk about why the answer is probably yes, and why putting it off is riskier than you think.

1. State Laws Are Complicated (And Constantly Changing)

Here’s something most people don’t realize: estate laws vary wildly by state. What works in California might be completely invalid in Texas. And these laws change more often than you’d expect.

Lawyers that do wills and trusts stay current on these regulations because it’s literally their job. They know about recent court decisions, tax law changes as well as state-specific requirements that could make or break your will’s validity.

That online template? It’s generic. It doesn’t account for your state’s witnessing requirements, community property laws, or how your state handles digital assets. One missed signature or improper witness could invalidate the entire document, meaning your family ends up in probate court anyway, fighting over your wishes.

2. Your Situation Is More Complex Than You Think

“But my estate is simple,” you might say. “I just want everything to go to my spouse.”

Okay, but what if your spouse passes away before you do, or at the same time? Who gets custody of your kids? What about that retirement account with a beneficiary designation from 2008? Does your ex-spouse’s name still appear anywhere?

A good estate planning attorney in Schaumburg asks questions you haven’t considered. They think through scenarios that seem unlikely but happen every day. Mixed families, estranged relatives, business ownership, real estate in multiple states; these complications add up fast.

When you’re searching for “lawyers that do wills and trusts near me,” you’re not just paying for document preparation. You’re paying for expertise that prevents costly mistakes.

3. Avoiding Family Drama and Legal Challenges

Want to know the fastest way to tear a family apart? Leave an unclear or disputed will.

I’ve seen families stop speaking over estate disputes. Siblings who were close become enemies. And contested wills can drag through courts for years, eating up the very assets everyone’s fighting over.

Professional attorneys in Schaumburg know how to word things to minimize challenges. They understand what language holds up in court and what invites disputes. They can even include no-contest clauses that discourage frivolous challenges.

If you have any potentially contentious situations, like disinheriting someone, leaving unequal amounts to your children, or including non-family members—you absolutely need legal guidance. Do you need a Schaumburg lawyer to make a will in these cases? Without question, yes.

4. Tax Implications You’re Probably Missing

Estate taxes, inheritance taxes, gift taxes, the tax code around death is ridiculously complex. And while federal estate taxes only affect the very wealthy, many states have their own estate or inheritance taxes with much lower thresholds.

Lawyers that do wills and trusts work with tax implications every day. They know strategies to minimize tax burdens on your heirs. Maybe a trust makes more sense than a simple will. Perhaps gifting strategies now could save thousands later. There might be charitable giving options that benefit both your favorite causes as well as your heirs’ tax bills.

That $99 online will? It’s not considering any of this. Additionally, the difference could mean tens of thousands of dollars for your family.

5. Peace of Mind Is Worth the Investment

Here’s the real reason to hire a lawyer to make a will: you’ll actually get it done, and you’ll sleep better knowing it’s right.

Those DIY services sit in your bookmarks for months. Even if you start them, you second-guess every answer. Is this right? Did I word this correctly? What if I’m missing something? Or do you need a lawyer to make a will?

When you work with an estate attorney, you have a scheduled appointment. You sit down, have a conversation, and they handle the legal complexity. You get a properly executed, legally valid document. Done.

Most estate planning attorneys offer flat-fee will packages that are more affordable than you’d think, often just a few hundred dollars for straightforward situations. Compared to what your family might spend fixing mistakes or fighting in probate court? That’s a bargain.

Taking Action Today

So, do you need a lawyer to make a will? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes. The complexity of estate law, the risk of mistakes, and the potential for family conflict all point toward professional help.

Start by reaching out to Marder & Seidler expert lawyers that do wills and trusts here. Our attorneys specialize in estate planning in Schaumburg and surrounding areas and understand your preferences. You don’t want to be putting this off anymore. Your family deserves clarity, not chaos. Make the appointment today by calling 847-985-6767; future you (and your loved ones) will be incredibly grateful you did.