The Price Tag vs. The True Cost: Estate Planning’s Most Expensive Myth
When someone asks, “How much does estate planning cost?”—it’s a completely fair question. We’re used to shopping around for the best deal, whether it’s a car, a contractor, or even legal services.
But estate planning isn’t just a purchase. It’s a safeguard. And the price you pay now is very different from the cost your family might pay later if your plan doesn’t hold up when it matters.
In other words, the real expense isn’t just what you spend upfront. It’s what’s at stake if the plan fails.
Cheap Documents vs. Effective Planning
Yes, you can find inexpensive wills online or download fill-in-the-blank templates for less than a dinner out. But those DIY estate plans often create more problems than they solve. They’re not customized. They rarely comply with Nebraska-specific legal requirements. And they can’t respond to the nuances of your family dynamics, your asset structure, or your long-term goals.
Here’s what actually matters: Will the plan work when it needs to?
Because Nebraska probate court doesn’t care how much your will cost. It cares whether it’s properly executed, legally valid, and clear enough to avoid conflict.
The Hidden Costs of a Poor Estate Plan
Even a seemingly small misstep—like missing a witness signature or failing to update beneficiary designations—can lead to significant fallout. Here’s what that can look like:
Contested Wills and Family Disputes
Unclear or improperly executed documents can lead to court battles, hard feelings, and tens of thousands in legal fees.
Frozen Bank Accounts and Inaccessible Assets
If accounts aren’t titled correctly or don’t have valid beneficiaries, your family might have to wait months (or years) to access funds.
Tax Surprises
For larger estates or those with retirement accounts, poor planning can create unexpected income taxes or capital gains issues for your beneficiaries.
Probate Delays
In Nebraska, the probate process takes a minimum of six months—and more complex estates can drag on for years.
Stress, Resentment, and Emotional Fallout
Families dealing with grief shouldn’t also have to battle each other or the court over unclear documents. The emotional cost is very real.
Nebraska Example: When DIY Goes Wrong
Let’s say someone in Lincoln downloads a $99 will online. It doesn’t follow Nebraska’s signing requirements (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2327), so it’s not legally valid. Now imagine their family must go to court to argue that it reflects their intent. That process can cost thousands—and all because of a shortcut that looked like a bargain at the time.
What a Thoughtful Estate Plan Includes
A strong estate plan isn’t just a collection of documents. It’s a strategy designed around:
Nebraska’s probate laws and tax considerations
Your family’s specific needs and relationships
Asset protection and efficient transfers
Ongoing review and updates as your life changes
It often includes a revocable living trust, power of attorney, advance directives, and clear beneficiary coordination. It’s not about filling in blanks—it’s about thinking ahead.
Estate Planning Is an Investment in Peace of Mind
When people ask, “What’s the cheapest plan I can get?” I usually redirect the question:
“What’s the best plan to protect your family and minimize future costs?”
Because the most expensive mistake in estate planning is getting it wrong. And that’s a cost your loved ones shouldn’t have to pay.
If you want your plan to actually work—not just look good in a binder—working with a Nebraska estate planning attorney who understands the law and your values makes all the difference.
Contact Zachary W. Anderson Law
If you’re ready to create a plan, or if you want to review one you made years ago, I’m happy to help. You can reach me at (402) 259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DIY will legal in Nebraska?
A DIY will can be legal if it follows Nebraska’s requirements (including proper signatures and witnesses). But most online forms don’t address Nebraska-specific laws and create risk. Errors can invalidate the document or trigger court challenges.
What happens if my estate plan doesn’t meet Nebraska’s legal requirements?
Your plan may be partially or fully invalid. That means the court will apply intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. It can also result in probate delays, higher costs, and family disputes.
Can I avoid probate with a will?
No. A will still goes through probate. To avoid probate in Nebraska, you typically need a revocable living trust and properly titled assets.
What’s the biggest risk of using a cheap or generic estate plan?
The plan might look fine on paper but fail in practice. That could mean frozen assets, delayed transfers, family conflict, or unnecessary taxes. In short: your family pays the cost.