The Hidden Risks of DIY Estate Planning Templates in Nebraska

In the digital age, it’s tempting to think estate planning can be handled with a quick online download. DIY estate planning templates are everywhere. A few clicks, a little personal info, and you’re done—right?

Not so fast.

As a Nebraska estate lawyer, I see firsthand the risks these templates create. They may look convenient and inexpensive, but the reality is that they often cause more harm than good. Let’s walk through why.

First, templates are broad and generic by design. But your life, your family, and your assets are anything but generic. A boilerplate will or trust won’t account for unique circumstances—things like blended families, business ownership, children from prior relationships, or beneficiaries with special needs. In Nebraska, those nuances matter. If they’re not addressed properly, you could unintentionally disinherit someone, jeopardize a beneficiary’s government benefits, or create family disputes down the line.

Second, legal language matters—a lot. Nebraska has its own statutes governing wills, trusts, and probate—including execution requirements and terminology that must align with Nebraska law. I’ve reviewed templates that included outdated or state-specific language that simply doesn’t comply with Nebraska estate planning law. One misplaced word or an incorrect witness requirement can leave your documents invalid—or worse, result in outcomes that don’t match your intentions.

Third, many templates don’t address probate avoidance at all. Nebraska probate is a public judicial process. Without proper trust planning, correct titling of assets, or coordinated beneficiary designations, your estate could be forced through probate—bringing delays, court costs, and stress to your family. Ironically, people often turn to templates to “simplify” things—yet those documents often guarantee the exact opposite.

Fourth, templates won’t identify opportunities to save on taxes. Even though Nebraska is phasing out its inheritance tax starting in 2025, and doesn’t have a state estate tax, income tax and capital gains tax planning is still highly relevant. A well-crafted Nebraska wills and trusts plan can help minimize tax burdens for your beneficiaries. A template? It simply can’t do that level of strategic planning.

Finally—and maybe most importantly—there’s no accountability or guidance. The biggest risk is perhaps the false sense of security a template provides. When you use a DIY template, there’s no one to call when something goes wrong. No one to clarify confusing language. No one to help your family interpret vague or conflicting provisions after you’re gone. The problems often don’t surface until it’s too late to fix them—and your loved ones are left navigating the fallout.

And here’s something else to keep in mind: estate planning is not a one-time transaction. Your life evolves—your assets grow, your family changes, laws shift. A proper estate plan is a living document that should be reviewed and updated regularly. A static template simply can’t keep pace with that reality.

The bottom line is this: estate planning is about far more than just filling out documents. It’s about creating a thoughtful, strategic plan that fits your life, protects your loved ones, and avoids unnecessary costs and risks. When it comes to something this important, a quick-fix template isn’t worth the gamble.

If you’re ready to move beyond templates and create a comprehensive, customized plan, I’d be happy to help. You can reach me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com to schedule a consultation.