Carosella & Associates has issued a warning about the risks of do-it-yourself wills as Chester County probate courts see an increase in disputes stemming from poorly drafted or outdated documents created without legal guidance. The firm reports that many estate conflicts it handles originate from families assuming online will templates are sufficient, when in practice these documents often create ambiguity, omit required formalities, or fail to reflect the realities of blended families, minor children, or complex assets.
According to Vincent Carosella, Jr., Senior Partner at Carosella & Associates, most probate conflicts arise not because families intend to fight but because documents leave too much open to interpretation or do not align with Pennsylvania law. When a will is unclear or improperly executed, disputes among heirs become far more likely, increasing both emotional strain and court involvement.
The firm's experienced wills lawyer team routinely sees disputes involving unclear beneficiary designations, missing executor authority, conflicting handwritten amendments, and documents that do not account for guardianship of minor children. In some cases, the court is forced to disregard the will entirely, resulting in the estate being distributed under Pennsylvania intestacy laws rather than the decedent's wishes.
Chester County probate courts have seen an increase in will challenges tied to these issues, particularly when online documents are used without coordination with related estate planning tools such as powers of attorney or trusts. Carosella & Associates notes that estate plans are most effective when documents are drafted as part of a coordinated strategy, not as isolated forms.
The firm's estate planning attorneys emphasize that a legally sound estate plan is not only about distributing assets. It also addresses decision-making authority during incapacity, guardianship designations, and coordination with real estate ownership and business interests. Without this broader planning, families are left vulnerable during already difficult times.
In addition to probate litigation, the firm handles estate administration matters where executors struggle to carry out unclear instructions or face objections from beneficiaries. These disputes often delay estate settlement and increase court oversight, outcomes that many families are surprised to encounter.
Carosella & Associates encourages families to view estate planning as an evolving process that should be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in family structure, assets, and Pennsylvania law. By addressing these issues proactively through properly drafted documents, families can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and ensure their intentions are honored. For more information about their services, visit https://carosella.com.
