10 Documents You Should Not Attempt to Complete Without a Lawyer

Working with a lawyer often has a big upfront cost, but it can lower your financial stress in the long run.

Sometimes, it's worth hiring an attorney to help you prepare important legal documents. These documents can get you and your family into a costly and time-consuming legal battle if they are not completed correctly.

Working with a lawyer is smart if you need any of the following 10 documents.

A will outlines your wishes for how assets will be distributed upon your death. The document also names an executor who will manage your estate and follow through on the distribution of assets.

Many wills go through probate, a court-supervised process for distributing assets. Given the high stakes involved, you should meet with an attorney specializing in this field who can help you protect your wealth for future generations to enjoy.

A trust allows a person to specify how and when their assets are distributed to beneficiaries. However, unlike a will, the document takes effect as soon as it is created.

That means the creator can move assets into or out of the trust while they're alive. Trusts can be more complicated than a will, but they also have the advantage of typically avoiding probate.

A prenuptial agreement is a binding document both spouses agree to before getting legally married. It outlines how assets will be divided in case of divorce.

Each state has different rules for prenups, so it's important to hire an attorney familiar with your state's laws.

This type of document can be challenged in a court if it's not done well, so having a seasoned lawyer create it is the right move.

This document designates someone else to make your medical decisions in the case of your incapacitation. This includes life-prolonging care, medical procedures, and other health services.

This document is important because it allows you to choose a trusted person to make crucial decisions when you cannot. It is best to hire an attorney when crafting this important document.

Similar to a health care power of attorney, a durable power of attorney is a legal document allowing someone designated as your "agent" to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf in the event of your incapacitation.

From buying and selling property to managing bills and investments, your designated agent has broad powers.

Many businesses make the mistake of trying to draw up contracts on their own, only to get mired in costly litigation later on.

To avoid this, work with an attorney who can craft contracts that keep you out of the courtroom.

Even in an amicable divorce, mistakes in paperwork can unintentionally compromise your rights. Documentation errors can also delay the finalization of your divorce.

Having a legal expert draft divorce papers ensures that both sides get what they want and still have the dignity they deserve without an ugly court battle.

The process for guardianship or conservatorship is complicated, with each state having different requirements.

An experienced lawyer can help you file the correct paperwork and choose the right guardianship or conservatorship. An attorney can ensure that the arrangement is legally enforceable.

Immigration law is complex and constantly changing, and even tiny mistakes on forms can lead to delays, denials, or even deportation.

An immigration attorney can help ensure applications are properly prepared and filed on time, and that they meet all legal requirements. Trying to do this on your own is fraught with danger and could also impact your long-term employment options in the U.S.

If you are a business owner who plans to rent an office or other business property, it is wise to seek the assistance of a lawyer.

A lawyer with expertise in small business can spot red flags in the agreement and warn you of potential problems in the document. They will likely suggest tweaks to language that can make the agreement more compatible with your interests.

To avoid wasting money, consult an attorney before finalizing the 10 documents on this list.

Lawyers are costly, but the expense can soar if you have to fix problems that could have been solved in just minutes with an attorney's upfront help.

Hiring a lawyer now could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.