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Don’t Take Advice From The Internet (Especially Reddit)

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We’ve all turned to the internet for answers at some point. Whether you’re googling a random trivia fact or trying to figure out if you can legally adopt a pet squirrel (RIP Peanut), the internet feels like the ultimate resource for all kinds of knowledge. But when it comes to something as important and legally complex as estate administration, the internet is not the place to look for advice. Here are some reasons why.

  1. Everyone’s an Expert As soon as a question is posted on a forum, lots of well-meaning (and sometimes not so well-meaning) people give their opinions. Remember, people who are not attorneys are not qualified to give it. Estate administration is governed by strict laws. Trying to go rogue based on random suggestions can lead to costly legal mistakes.
  2. Legal Jargon and Nuanced Laws Imagine asking Reddit how to handle a legal document like a probate petition. You’re probably going to get advice like: “Just fill out the forms yourself and submit them. It’s just paperwork, how hard can it be?” The answer? It’s not hard – if you’re trained in estate and trusts law.
  3. The Internet’s “Quick Fix” Won’t Save You in the Long Run The internet’s talking heads are notorious for offering advice that is, at best, too simplistic, and at worst, reckless. You don’t really want to be taking those types of risks with the law.

Here’s the bottom line: The internet is great for entertainment, socializing, and maybe getting some advice about the best pizza topping, but when it comes to legal advice, you should seek out an attorney. Here’s a good mantra: “If you read it on reddit, it’s best to forget it.”

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have questions or concerns about your estate plan, contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Sinclair Prosser Gasior by calling (410) 573-4818 to schedule an appointment. Sinclair Prosser Gasior Annapolis Headquarters office is now located at 183 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Suite 104.

Beth Burgee, Estate Planning Attorney
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