Do You Need an Estate Planning Attorney or a Living Trust Online?

When people search for an estate planning attorney, they are usually looking for clarity, protection, and a way to make sure their family is taken care of without unnecessary delays or court involvement. What many people do not realize is that for a large number of families, the core estate planning documents can be created through a guided online process without immediately hiring a law firm.

This article explains what estate planning attorneys do, what documents most families actually need, what can legally be created online, and where a do it yourself estate planning platform like 299Trust fits into the process so you can make an informed decision.

What an Estate Planning Attorney Actually Does

An estate planning attorney is a licensed legal professional who provides legal advice and creates customized estate plans based on a client’s financial situation, family structure, and long term goals.

Attorneys typically handle complex matters such as high net worth estates, tax planning strategies, business succession planning, special needs trusts, contested estates, and situations involving unique legal risks. They also provide legal advice, represent clients in court if disputes arise, and tailor documents for highly specific scenarios.

For families with complicated financial or legal needs, working with an attorney can be necessary and appropriate. However, many households do not fall into these categories.

What Most Families Actually Need in an Estate Plan

Despite the wide range of legal services attorneys offer, most families are focused on a small set of practical goals. They want to decide who inherits their assets.They want to avoid probate if possible.They want someone they trust to handle decisions if they become incapacitated.They want clear instructions for healthcare decisions.

For these goals, the most commonly used estate planning documents include:

• A revocable living trust

• A pour over will

• A durable power of attorney

• An advance healthcare directive

These documents form the foundation of a basic estate plan for individuals, married couples, homeowners, and parents. In many cases, these documents do not require custom legal strategies and can be created through an organized information based process.

What You Can Legally Create Online Without a Law Firm

In many states, individuals are legally allowed to create their own estate planning documents as long as they meet state specific requirements.

Online estate planning platforms guide users through a structured process where they answer questions about their assets, beneficiaries, and preferences. Based on the information provided, the platform generates estate planning documents for review and execution.

299Trust is a do it yourself estate planning platform designed to help individuals and families create living trusts and related documents online. The platform does not provide legal advice and is not a law firm. Instead, it allows users to complete their documents through a guided process and receive them electronically for signing and notarization.

This approach works well for families with straightforward estate planning needs who want clarity, affordability, and control over the process.

Living Trust vs Will and Why Trusts Matter for Homeowners

One of the most common questions people ask is whether they need a will or a living trust.

A will outlines how assets should be distributed after death, but it typically goes through probate. Probate is a court supervised process that can take months or even years, incur fees, and become part of the public record.

A revocable living trust allows assets such as a home to be held in the name of the trust. When properly funded, assets in a living trust can pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. This can reduce delays, maintain privacy, and simplify the transfer of property.

For homeowners, a living trust is often the central document in an estate plan because real estate is one of the most common assets subject to probate. Creating a trust and properly re titling property can help families avoid unnecessary court involvement.

When You Actually Need an Estate Planning Attorney

It is important to be clear about situations where an attorney is likely necessary.

You may need an attorney if your estate involves significant tax exposure, ownership of multiple businesses, complex investment structures, special needs beneficiaries, disputes among potential heirs, or international assets. You may also need legal advice if you are unsure how state laws apply to your specific situation.

Online estate planning platforms are not designed to replace attorneys in complex cases. They are designed to help people with common planning needs complete their documents efficiently and correctly. Being transparent about this distinction builds trust with both users and search engines.

How Online Living Trust Platforms Work

A typical online living trust process follows several steps.

First, the user answers guided questions about their personal information, assets, and beneficiaries.Second, the platform generates estate planning documents based on those inputs.Third, the documents are delivered electronically for review.Fourth, the user signs the documents in front of a notary as required by state law.Fifth, guidance is provided on how to re title assets such as real estate into the trust.

299Trust follows this general process while clearly stating that users remain in control of their decisions and that no legal advice is provided.

Is an Online Living Trust Right for You

An online living trust may be a good fit if you want a structured way to create estate planning documents, have a relatively straightforward financial situation, own a home or other assets you want to pass on efficiently, and are comfortable completing forms online.

It may not be the right fit if your situation requires legal strategy, tax planning, or personalized legal advice.

Understanding this distinction helps people choose the right path without confusion or pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living Trusts and Estate Planning

Do I need a lawyer to create a living trust

In many states, a lawyer is not legally required to create a living trust. Individuals can create their own trust as long as it complies with state laws.

Is an online living trust legal

Online generated living trusts are legal when they meet state requirements and are properly signed and notarized.

How much does a living trust cost

Costs vary widely depending on whether documents are created through a law firm or an online platform. Online platforms typically cost significantly less than hiring an attorney.

Can I update my living trust later

Most revocable living trusts can be updated or amended during the grantor’s lifetime.

What happens if I do nothing

Without an estate plan, state laws determine how assets are distributed, which can lead to delays, additional costs, and outcomes that may not reflect personal wishes.

Important Disclosure

299Trust.com is a do it yourself estate planning platform. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals with complex legal or financial situations should consult a qualified estate planning attorney.