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Will the do it yourself Will and Trust kits or the Suze Orman kit hold up in court?

Asked in Lake Orion, MI - about 1 year

I would like to have a Will and Trust but going to an attorney is not affordable at this time. I have the Suze Orman do it yourself kit and was wondering if it is acceptable to the courts or are the do it yourself packets that you buy at the store? I would like to have something in tact that my family will not have any problems with.

Attorney Answers (5)

Edward Jacob Sternisha

Edward Jacob Sternisha

Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in MI

Answered about 1 year ago. A will drafted by a competent attorney can still be challenged in court while a quickly written note on a paper plate, signed and dated by the author could properly hold up. It is not necessarily who prepared the document but what it contains that matters. Whether it is Suze Orman's or the office supply store's do-it-yourself fill-in-the-blank form, the biggest concern you should have is whether or not the document says what you want it to say. Unfortunately, Suze Orman has no idea what you own and how you want it distributed when you die. Ms. Orman also has no idea who may or may not potentially challenge your will. While a fill-in-the-blank form will is better than no will at all (sort of) it would still be a good idea to sit down with an attorney who handles wills and estate matters and explain your wishes and answer the many questions he or she will have for you. Without asking you specific questions, there is no way to know exactly what you want. In addition, there may be better ways to protect your family than simply having a will. Keep in mind many wealthy people who paid good money to have a lawyer draft a will still have family members battle in court for years challenging the will. So, even if you cannot afford an attorney now, it may cost your family members a great deal of legal fees later trying to figure out just what Suze meant to say about your "stuff." It is also possible that when Ms. Orman passes away, her very own will may get challenged. Good Luck! A call to a local attorney is the best advice I can give you.
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1 comment

James P. Frederick

James P. Frederick

Livonia Probate Attorney

Licensed in MI

Answered about 1 year ago. I agree with the other responses. There are at least two other reasons to meet with a lawyer instead of trying to do it yourself with a kit. 1) If you have a question or a concern, you have someone to call. I doubt is Suze is going to answer your questions. If she does, she is not a lawyer and does not know the laws of all states. 2) If there IS a problem with your estate plan, you have someone who can deal with it, AND someone who can testify in court as to what your intent was, when you set things up. Suze is not going to do that. Neither will LegalZoom or Office Depot.

There is a reason why people hire professionals to assist them. Is it possible to fix your own brakes? Can you handle all of your own investment decisions? Do you prepare your own tax returns? Do you go to a doctor when you are sick or take care of it yourself? Sure, if you take the time to educate yourself and gain the knowledge and experience to take these things on, you CAN do it. I have also seen (and helped to clean up) numerous messes, when things were not done properly.

You have spent your entire lifetime amassing your estate and you want to try to use a $35 kit to take care of that? I think that you owe it to yourself and your heirs to handle this correctly. It may cost a whole lot less than you think to hire and attorney. It will probably cost a whole lot more than your kit, if you do not.

James Frederick
I am licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and have offices in Wayne and Ingham Counties. My practice... more
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Timothy Edward Kalamaros

Timothy Edward Kalamaros

Mishawaka Probate Attorney

Answered about 1 year ago. Penny wise, pound foolish. Would you pull your own tooth if you had a toothache? At least you would be around to fix the mess if you did. Once you die, nobody will be able to undo what you have done or failed to properly do when alive. Find the money and hire a decent lawyer.

By the way, I have challenged and defended do-it-yourself wills, and I can say that certain problems tend to come up with DIY wills on a regular basis. Inconsistencies, ambiguities, omissions, and improper execution all come to mind.
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Paul A. Smolinski

Paul A. Smolinski

Palos Heights Elder Law Attorney

Answered about 1 year ago. There are no DVD's, books, kits, forms or online programs that effectively analyze what you need or don't need to protect yourself. If you think that you are saving money by not using an attorney I would suggest that you are incorrect. I have been doing estate planning for 25 years now and I can unequivocally say that it pays to do estate planning properly - both financially and in terms of not having the stress and problems (either you or your family) as a result of

It won't cost you much to consult with a local estate planning attorney. He/she can tell you what they believe that you need - maybe powers of attorney, maybe a will and maybe a trust - and maybe not. The attorney needs to review your situation, your family, your assets and the law and give you educated advice. This comes not only for a book but also from years of practical legal experience.

I hope that you do the smart thing! Best Wishes!
Legal Disclaimer: Paul A. Smolinski is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois only, and as such, his... more
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Bernard Harley Greenberg

Bernard Harley Greenberg

Castle Rock Estate Planning Attorney

Answered about 1 year ago. The fill-in-the-blank or Will kits can be valid Wills and can be upheld in Court. However, they should never be used as anything other than a starting point for you to think about your Will and estate planning.

These kits are not designed to apply to particular situations. They are designed to be general so as to appear to apply to many.

You should use a kit as a way of preparing for your visit with an attorney who specializes in estate planning.
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