Do-it-yourself Estate Planning A successful estate plan requires that all i’s are dotted and all t’s are crossed. One minor error or missed deadline may result in one your intended beneficiaries being left out of your estate entirely. While many people assume that they can do it themselves, experts say that this area of law is best left to legal professionals to ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you’ve specified. This section provides articles and the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the will and probate process, along with information about books, on-line services and software packages designed for those who choose to go it alone.