Creating a will or estate plan is too important to handle alone. According to Estate Planning Attorney Craig Borne, “A will is not a do-it-yourself project.” Mistakes in this process could lead to major complications down the road.
Borne emphasizes that laws vary from place to place and that one size does not fit all. He says, “What works in one state often won’t in another,” and warns that using generic forms or online templates can leave significant gaps. Those gaps can result in assets being distributed contrary to your wishes—or someone you care about getting unfairly left out.
One of the biggest pitfalls: failing to anticipate changes in your life. Borne points out that updating a will after big life events is critical. “Marriage, having children, divorce—those events should prompt a review and possibly a revision of your estate plan,” he advises. Ignoring changes can mean your will reflects past circumstances rather than what’s going on now.
Another concern is what happens after you die. According to Borne, “Your family may have to go through probate, which can be time-consuming and expensive, and sometimes exposes private matters to the public.” Proper estate planning can avoid or mitigate these issues, he says.
Borne also encourages people to seek professional help early. “Working with a qualified attorney ensures your legal documents are valid, up to date, and meet your objectives,” he says. He reminds clients that an attorney can steer them through complexities—like tax implications, asset titling, and guardianship designations—that they might not even know exist.
Finally, he underscores the benefit of having clear, legally enforceable documents in place, noting that they not only protect your interests but also give your loved ones peace of mind. “When everything is in order,” he says, “your family has fewer burdens during a difficult time.”
To learn more about estate planning and the nightmare that a lack of planning can produce, consider attending Craig Borne’s next Leave A Legacy Not A Mess ™ workshop on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The registration can be found here.