Let’s be honest—most families don’t think much about choosing an estate planning attorney until they suddenly need one. At that point, the pressure is high, and it’s easy to make choices that lead to wasted money, unnecessary court battles, or plans that don’t even work when your family needs them most.
 

The truth is, not all lawyers—or estate plans—are created equal. Having worked with countless families, I’ve seen the same avoidable mistakes repeated again and again. The good news? By understanding these pitfalls in advance, you can make smart, loving choices that truly protect your family.
 

Here are the five biggest mistakes families make when choosing an estate planning lawyer—and how you can avoid them.

Many people assume any attorney can prepare an estate plan. In reality, estate planning is highly specialized. A generalist who dabbles in it may not understand the nuances your family needs. Whether you have young kids, aging parents, or a loved one with special needs, you deserve someone who has real experience with families like yours—not just someone who “also does wills.”

Estate planning shouldn’t be a bait-and-switch offer or an open-ended hourly tab. Lawyers who quote rock-bottom fees are usually cutting corners or planning to sell you something else later. On the flip side, hourly billing can leave you afraid to ask questions. A trustworthy lawyer will be clear and upfront about fees and will structure services in a way that supports you over time.

DIY websites or “document mills” may seem convenient, but they don’t give you actual planning. Families often discover too late that the paperwork doesn’t work as expected, leaving loved ones in court or facing unnecessary taxes. A true plan requires thoughtful design tailored to your situation—not just filling in blanks.

Your life, your assets, and the law itself are constantly changing. A plan that isn’t updated will eventually fail. Too often, people sign documents and put them on a shelf, never reviewed again. The right attorney will have a process to keep in touch, review your plan regularly, and ensure your assets and wishes remain aligned as things evolve.

Most attorneys focus only on passing financial wealth. Yet the lessons, traditions, and insights you’ve gained in life are often far more meaningful to your loved ones. If your lawyer doesn’t address this, your family could lose not only money but also the wisdom and history that define your legacy.

Choosing the right estate planning attorney is about far more than signing documents. It’s about finding a trusted guide who will listen, communicate, and walk alongside your family through life’s changes. The wrong lawyer—or worse, a do-it-yourself option—can leave your loved ones facing heartache, extra costs, and even conflict during already difficult times.
 

By avoiding these five mistakes, you can make a wise, lasting choice that protects both your financial security and your family’s deeper legacy.
 

Your family deserves more than paperwork—they deserve peace of mind.