It happens every day in local Facebook groups. Someone asks for an estate planning attorney, and the comment section immediately fills up with free advice: “Just write a simple will,” “You don’t need a lawyer,” or “Just get a Lady Bird deed.”

While most of those comments come from a good place, a recent Kiplinger article points out why relying on social media for legal guidance can backfire: no two families or estate plans are identical. Even when online advice isn’t factually wrong, it can still be completely wrong for your specific situation.

The article shares a common scenario where a mother uses a Lady Bird deed to leave her home to her children equally. But when one child unexpectedly passes away first, the deed never gets updated. That leaves it entirely unclear whether that child’s share goes to the surviving sibling or the grandchildren. What seemed like a simple, cost-free solution quickly turns into an expensive, stressful court battle.

Ultimately, estate planning isn’t about filling out a quick document or copying what worked for a neighbor. It starts with asking the hard, necessary questions, like how to protect a beneficiary with special needs, what happens if a child predeceases you, or how a recent divorce impacts your distribution.

At Rhodes Law Firm, we know there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all estate plan. We take the time to ask the right questions and build custom strategies that protect your family, adapt as your life changes, and ensure your actual wishes are carried out. 

Contact Rhodes Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.