The Pitfalls of Using Online Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. In today’s world, it’s easy to find free or low-cost legal templates online that claim to provide “everything you need.” But while they may look convenient, online forms rarely provide the protection your family deserves.

At Grand Strand Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how DIY estate plans fall apart when families need them most. What looks like savings in the beginning often leads to expensive and stressful problems later.

Every family’s situation is unique. Whether you have children from multiple marriages, own a business, or just want to plan for healthcare decisions, a cookie-cutter form won’t address your individual needs. Estate planning is about more than filling in blanks—it’s about creating a strategy that reflects your assets, your wishes, and the realities of South Carolina law.

Online forms usually meet only a baseline standard—they may provide the “bare minimum,” but they don’t capture the details that make your plan effective. For example, they rarely account for state-specific requirements, nuanced family dynamics, or how assets should be handled if circumstances change. That means you may believe you’re protected, but in reality, there are gaps that could cause big issues later.

By contrast, the documents prepared by experienced attorneys at Grand Strand Law Group are tailored to your specific needs. We ensure your will, trust, powers of attorney, and other planning tools are legally enforceable, strategically drafted, and written to actually carry out your intentions—not just check a box. We also help you understand how different documents work together so there are no loose ends.

South Carolina law has very specific requirements that online templates often miss. For example, wills must be signed in the presence of two competent witnesses, and notarization is strongly recommended to make the will “self-proving” in probate court. Trusts must be executed properly under the South Carolina Uniform Trust Code, or they risk being challenged. If these details are overlooked, your loved ones may find out too late that the plan you thought would protect them is invalid.

What you don’t pay for upfront often costs more down the road. Families who rely on online forms frequently end up spending thousands of dollars in court to correct errors, fix vague language, or fight over assets because the plan wasn’t clear. That’s money and stress that could have been avoided with professional guidance from the start.

Even small mistakes—like missing a required witness, unclear instructions, or outdated language—can result in a will being contested or even thrown out. Unfortunately, families are left to clean up the mess, often at the worst possible time.

When it comes to your estate plan, peace of mind comes from knowing it’s done right. Meeting with an experienced South Carolina attorney ensures your documents are legally valid, customized to your life, and strong enough to stand up in court if challenged.

Your legacy deserves more than a template. At Grand Strand Law Group, we provide comprehensive, carefully drafted estate planning documents that protect you and your family. If you’ve been considering creating or updating your will or trust, contact us today at 843.492.5422. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of DIY planning and give you the security of knowing your wishes will be honored.