It’s no secret: lawyers can be costly. So it’s understandable that many people wonder if they really need one – especially when it comes to estate planning, probate, or administering a trust after someone dies. But here’s the reality: while lawyers may seem expensive upfront, the right lawyer can save you time, stress, and potentially much more money down the line. 

If you’ve been named as a Personal Representative of a Will or Trustee of a Trust, you’ve been placed in a fiduciary role – which means that you’re legally obligated to act in the best interest of someone else. It’s not just a matter of paying some bills and distributing assets. You have real legal responsibilities and can be personally liable for mistakes.

Common pitfalls include:

• Misinterpreting the terms of a trust or will
• Missing important deadlines for tax filings or creditor notifications
• Failing to properly account for funds
• Making distributions too early, or in the wrong amounts
• Mishandling assets or overlooking the need for court filings

Even innocent errors can result in disputes with beneficiaries or, worse, lawsuits. A skilled attorney helps you avoid these risks, providing clear guidance tailored to your specific duties and the laws of your state.

So how do you choose a lawyer?

Not all lawyers are created equal. Many attorneys market themselves as estate planners, focusing on drafting wills, trusts, and other planning documents. That’s an essential skillset — but not the only one you should look for.

If you’re choosing someone to help create your estate plan (or to guide you in a fiduciary role), look for an attorney who also handles estate and trust administration. Why? Because they bring a practical, experience-based perspective to the process.

An attorney who has seen how trusts and estates play out after death will draft better documents during life. They’ll know which provisions cause confusion, which funding methods lead to delays, and how to structure things to make life easier for your future Personal Representative or Trustee. They won’t just give you a binder full of documents — they’ll give you a roadmap to making it all work.

This insight can be the difference between an orderly, efficient estate process and one bogged down in costly delays, court involvement, or family conflict.

Legal documents often look good on paper. But the true test of an estate plan is how it functions in real life. An experienced attorney brings something critical to the table: the ability to distinguish between what’s technically legal and what actually works.

Let’s be honest: experienced lawyers aren’t cheap. But there’s a reason for that. You’re not just paying for documents or court filings – you’re paying for peace of mind.

A well-qualified attorney not only ensures that your documents are legally sound and tailored to your goals, but also that your Trust is properly funded, your fiduciary responsibilities are clearly defined and as easy as possible to carry out, and that potential risks are identified and addressed before they become costly issues. In essence, the right lawyer prevents a situation in which your loved ones are left to “just figure it out” after you’re gone.

If you’re taking on the responsibility of a fiduciary – or planning your own estate – investing in the right legal guidance now can prevent much greater expense (and heartache) later.

Bottom line: You don’t just need a lawyer – you need the right lawyer. One with real-world experience in both planning and administration. One who knows how things go wrong, and how to get them right. One who sees beyond the theory and helps you plan for real life. Yes, it may cost more upfront. But in the long run, it’s one of the best investments you can make – for yourself and for those you care about.