I guess physicians still get frustrated when patients come to an appointment with a request for a specific medication because they saw an advertisement on the Internet or consulted with Dr. Google. The Internet has become a first stop for so many-from self-diagnoses to financial advice. Of course, it can be exceedingly useful, but its downside is context.
Consider estate planning. Maybe somebody finds a snazzy online deal for some kind of ‘ironclad’ plan for $99. Or perhaps he or she reads a blog-or watches a video-describing some estate planning strategy, such as a Charitable Remainder Trust. Too often, what a person doesn’t recognize is that much of what he or she has found may be oversimplified, outdated, or completely irrelevant to the particular facts of their situation. That’s where the professionals come in.
In my 33 years of practice, I have encountered many knowledgeable clients who either read blogs or podcasts or subscribe to specific online document preparation services like LegalZoom. And while I applaud their initiative, the information therein is not really tailored for their needs as an individual or family.
Estate planning strategies vary substantially depending on one’s state of residency, marital status, net worth, and long-term goals. For instance, a client may be a resident of Florida and draft a will elsewhere without being aware of the peculiarities of our homestead laws and thereby create a disaster unnecessarily for an estate. Generalized Internet advice would not disclose this type of nuance.
Sometimes, clients disagree with me on estate planning strategies because they have read something online. Often, what they have found is technically correct; however, having been removed from its context, it is misapplied or incomplete. This is not wholly unlike attempting surgery after having watched a video on YouTube-you may have a general idea of what motions are involved, but the stakes are just too high to proceed sans professional.
It’s my job to take years of education, certifications, and practice and distill it into something clear and actionable for my clients. The law degree, the CPA license, board certification, and decades of experience give me the wherewithal to analyze not only the legal framework but also the possible tax and financial consequences of every estate plan. That depth of knowledge is something you simply can’t pick up from a podcast or a blog post, even this one.
Clients often ask how to assess their experts. Are they current with developments in their area? Can they take that knowledge and apply it to tough, real-world situations? These are excellent questions.
Board certification denotes professional excellence. To be certified in Florida, attorneys must undergo a rigorous examination process, demonstrate an impeccable ethical record, and engage in continuing concentrated advanced education to stay abreast of changing laws.
It is not all about knowledge; it is about wisdom, knowing when and how to apply the knowledge. That is where technology or the Internet cannot substitute. Wisdom comes from years of experience and commitment to understanding the human element in estate planning.
The Internet is a powerful tool-you can get more information now than at any time in history. But without context, information is simply that-it isn’t knowledge, let alone wisdom. For something as important as your estate, working with a professional who can understand you and the subtleties of your particular needs is just irreplaceable.
Do your homework. Come to the table with questions. But when you’ve chosen a professional, trust professional judgment. When their advice resonates with your situation and feels well-reasoned, relax and let them do their job. If not, find someone else who gives you that confidence.
After all, no online calculator or article can substitute for the insight of a trusted professional who knows you and your goals.
