Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, discourages the use of do-it-yourself wills and explains why they often lead to the opposite effect intended by the testator.

DECATUR, GA, September 26, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new blog on the law firm’s website entitled “Common Issues with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wills.” Ms. Pawley explains the three most common reasons for DIY wills being invalidated.

Pawley states, “Some of my clients end up in my office after someone they love created a do-it-yourself (DIY) will which created chaos and expensive legal bills upon the death of that loved one.” She continues, “While creating a DIY will might seem like a convenient and cost-saving option, the fact is that they are often done incorrectly. This can lead to significant legal complications –even to rendering the will invalid – and expenses which is the exact opposite objective anyone has for creating a will.”

According to Pawley, “Every state has its own set of specific legal requirements that wills must meet.” She emphasizes, “Failure to follow the state-specific requirements is one of the most common issues with DIY wills. For example,” she adds, “here in the state of Georgia, holographic wills—those that are handwritten and not witnessed—are not legally recognized. So, even if your intentions are clearly written, the will could be completely disregarded by the probate court if it doesn’t meet the state’s formal standards.”

The entire blog can be read here: Common Issues with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wills

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.