When you use a document preparation service, the documents are prepared using the information you provide.  The service cannot give you advice regarding what form of business is right for you, the tax consequences of choosing an entity or advise you of the repercussions of including certain clauses in your Will.  The bottom line is, if you don’t understand every clause in a contract or Will and don’t know the consequences of what is contained in your document, you can’t ask your preparer.

For example, I had a Will signing yesterday and during the review of the Will, I was asked to explain what certain clauses meant, like “Independent Administration of Estates Act” and what the “Period for Survivorship” clause was for.  These are individualized clauses which are included or not included in the Will depending on the wishes of the Testator.  Some clients would choose not to include the “Independent Administration” clause based on their situation and other clients would prefer a shorter period for survivorship than others.  As an attorney, I am able to clarify the meaning and explain options under these clauses and anything else that I’ve drafted for my client.

Update 10-20-09

One thing to be aware of when you are preparing your Will is that there are limitations on who may be named executor of your Will, limitations on who may help you prepare your Will and have it still be valid, and additional requirements if you name certain people as beneficiaries (such as a care custodian or attorney).