StoryTime 004: Why “Weird Software” Doesn’t Replace Experience

“Fancy Software Screw-Up”

Estate planning isn’t just about filling in forms—it’s about protecting your legacy and ensuring your intentions come through even when you're not there. In StoryTime 004: Fancy Software Screw-Up, Mark shares a real-world example that highlights how flashy software can’t replace legal know-how.

Mark was brought in to review a trust crafted by another attorney. As he flipped through the document, one striking error stood out: in one clause, the entire estate was handed outright to a single beneficiary. Then, the very next provision tried to re-establish a trust for that person—but there was nothing left to fund it.

This contradiction made the trust creation provision pointless—and showcased a critical oversight by the drafting attorney, who likely relied too much on template software without understanding the logic behind the structure.

Mark’s takeaway?

“If you get estate planning done, do it with somebody who’s competent.”

Why this matters:

• An outright gift leaves assets vulnerable to divorce, creditors, or poor financial decisions.

• Creating a trust without assets makes the trust useless.

• Software tools are only as good as the attorney using them.

Watch the short clip and share it with anyone planning their legacy.

For real-life estate planning lessons, check out more in the StoryTime with Mark series.