DIY Estate Planning: What You Can Do Yourself (and When to Hire a Lawyer)
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Last Updated: 2026
For many women, estate planning is one of the most overlooked parts of planning for retirement. But it doesn’t get delayed because it feels unimportant. It gets delayed because it feels expensive, complicated or unclear where to start.
Hiring an attorney can cost thousands. Doing nothing feels easier. But there’s a middle ground that more women are turning to: DIY estate planning. The key is knowing what you can confidently do yourself and where professional guidance might be worth it.
What Is DIY Estate Planning?
DIY estate planning means creating your legal documents without hiring a traditional attorney. Instead, you might:
- Use guided online platforms
- Work through structured templates
- Follow step-by-step instructions
The goal is the same. Tto create legally valid documents that protect your wishes.
What You Can Typically Do Yourself
For many women, especially those with straightforward finances, you can create:
A Last Will and Testament
Outlines who inherits your assets and who manages your estate.
A Financial Power of Attorney
Allows someone to manage your finances if needed.
A Medical Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make healthcare decisions.
A Living Will
Documents your medical preferences.
These are the foundational documents, and often the most important.
Where DIY Works Best
DIY estate planning is often a good fit if:
- You have a relatively simple financial situation
- You don’t own a business
- You’re not dealing with complex family dynamics
- You want to get something in place quickly
It’s especially helpful if you’ve been putting this off because it lowers the barrier to starting.
When It’s Worth Hiring a Professional
DIY isn’t the right choice for everyone. You may want to work with an attorney if you have:
- Significant or complex assets
- A blended family
- Estate tax considerations
- Multiple properties or business ownership
In these cases, customization and legal strategy matter more.
The Biggest Benefit of DIY: Taking Action
The biggest risk isn’t doing it imperfectly. It’s not doing it at all. DIY estate planning allows you to:
- Move forward quickly
- Reduce cost barriers
- Create a baseline plan
- Update and improve over time
How to Do DIY Estate Planning the Right Way
If you go the DIY route, follow these steps:
1. Start with the Essentials
Focus on the four foundational documents first.
2. Use a Guided Platform
Avoid generic templates when possible. Online estate planning platforms like LawDepot walk you through the process and help ensure your documents are tailored to your situation.
3. Follow State Requirements
Make sure your documents are properly signed, witnessed and notarized if required.
4. Review and Update
Your plan should evolve as your life changes.
The Tradeoff: Cost vs Customization
- DIY: Lower cost, faster, less personalized
- Attorney: Higher cost, more tailored, more comprehensive
There’s no universal “right” choice. The right choice is the one that gets you from no plan to having a plan.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started with estate planning. You just need to begin. Because a simple plan today is far more powerful than a perfect plan that never gets created.
FAQ: DIY Estate Planning
Q: Can I write my own will?
Yes, especially if you have straightforward finances. Many women like a guided DIY approach by using a platform like LawDepot that has easy-to-use templates and a guided process to fill them out.
Q: Is DIY estate planning legally valid?
Yes, if documents meet your state’s legal requirements.
Q: Can I switch to an attorney later?
Absolutely. Many people start DIY and upgrade later.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake to avoid?
Not creating anything at all.
For more information and resources on estate planning, visit LawDepot.
