Writing a will, also called a last will and testament, is a fundamental part of planning for the future, but it can seem daunting and uncomfortable. Hiring a will attorney to help you with your estate planning needs can make the process easier and ensure you don’t make any common mistakes along the way.

It’s a good idea to hire a will attorney if your situation is complex. That means if you own many assets (like a home, vacation home, vehicles, valuables, or multiple financial accounts); if you own a business; if your assets are in other states, provinces, or countries; if you’re married, divorced, or re-married; or if you have multiple children and grandchildren, your will may be more complicated to put together and may benefit from professional guidance.

A will attorney will also ensure your will is valid and meets your state or province’s laws. That means it will hold up in court, even if contested.

A will attorney can also help guide you through other documents you may need during the estate planning process, such as a living will, a living trust, a power of attorney, and a durable power of attorney.

A living will tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment. A living trust designates a person responsible for managing your assets for the benefit of the eventual beneficiary. A power of attorney gives someone authorization to make legal, financial, or medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t. A durable power of attorney is the same; however, it stays in effect even after you’ve become incapacitated.

The cost of creating a will varies. Yes, you can make a will on your own without the help of an attorney or lawyer through online will writing services with minimal cost. But if the division of your assets is complex, you will likely require the assistance of a professional will attorney, and the cost can range from $300-$1,000 or more.

After your will is written and has been signed by you and your witness, you will need to name an executor. An executor can be a family member, a lawyer or attorney, or even your bank, and will ensure your will is carried out after your death in the way you specified.

After writing your will, AARP recommends updating it when necessary. You can get in the habit of updating your will every few years, or you can make a note to update it when any significant life changes occur, like the birth of a child, divorce, or death of a beneficiary. A will attorney can walk you through the process of how to properly update your will.

If you’re looking to hire a trusted will attorney but are having trouble deciding who to hire, ask family, friends, and neighbors who they have worked with and get their recommendations. You can also read more tips from BBB on hiring a lawyer. BBB Accredited will attorneys have agreed to adhere to the BBB Standards for Trust.