Should you trust YouTube videos when researching revocable vs irrevocable trust?

Posted by smith clea on February 22nd, 2020

YouTube is an incredibly powerful source of information. A lot of people think it’s just a fun place to go on the internet to find funny video. While it may have started off like this, it has developed into so much more. YouTube is actually the second largest search engine.

The first? Google.

Part of what has made YouTube such a powerful search engine is the number of people making high quality informational content.

For this reason, YouTube can be a great place to research topics you are interested in. It’s filled with how to videos, DIY, and informational videos on almost any topic.

YouTube can be a really valuable source of information on estate planning and whether or not you should have a revocable vs irrevocable trust.

This article will give you additional advice on how to use YouTube in your search for information.

Not all YouTube channels are equal

While there is a lot of noise on YouTube there are also a lot of channels that are very useful. Keep this in mind because a lot of people think since they are searching for highly specific legal information that they should automatically steer clear of YouTube. But, not all YouTube channels are just for entertainment.

There are many highly intelligent channels that focus on very specific fields of information such as estate planning and law. We’re not talking about shallow, superficial information. How do you find them? Just like you would on Google.

Search for a topic or a question you are looking for the answer to like “what’s better a revocable or irrevocable trust” and see what comes up.

Watch many different channels that cover your topic

In the example we gave about looking for information on revocable vs irrevocable trust, you’re looking to decide among the two.

So try to find as many different channels that cover trusts and see how they present the information. See if you can find information that is very specific to your state. The great thing about finding this type of info is that it’s a short form of content.

In other words, it doesn’t take a long video to cover the ins and outs of the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust. The biggest challenge will be to find a video that addresses the topic in your state as will and trust law changes depending on the state you live in.

Actively compare and contrast

When you’re watching these videos, you shouldn’t be passive. Keep a tab on who’s saying what and how in-depth their videos are.

If you find a content creator who did a video you like, watch a few more of their videos to get a feel for their expertise. Don’t just automatically assume the first video you find is the only expert.

Try to find a variety of other content creators and compare them to each other to see if the information you are getting aligns, or if there are drastic differences.

Focus on common themes

Chances are once you reach your 30th video, you’re probably thinking that all this stuff is boring. You may be under the impression that they just keep talking about the same stuff over and over again when it comes to the differences between revocable vs irrevocable trust.

Well, it turns out that there is a reason for this. The reason for common repetition is because it’s true. In other words, it’s a baseline area of agreement.

So when you come across a video that completely goes against the 100 other videos you have watched, it may be an indication this content creator doesn’t know what they are talking about. They may just be trying to get viewers so that they can sell something.

This is called clickbait. It’s an old marketing trick, but it really has no place in your search for the difference between revocable vs irrevocable trust instruments.

Don’t rely on this resource solely

The best piece of advice anybody could give you about YouTube involves exclusivity. I know that you’re busy. You probably have so many things that you’re taking care of. With that said, vary your sources when you are searching for information.

Search Google for attorneys who practice will and trust law, talk to other people who have had an estate plan, and schedule an initial consultation with a trust attorney to find out if a revocable or irrevocable trust would be best for you.

There are tons of resources out there to get the information you are looking for and you shouldn’t solely focus on YouTube.  

 Read More : "Revocable Vs Irrevocable which suits U" 

Conclusion

YouTube has grown to be one of the most powerful search engines in the world. As a result, it can be a really great source of information to help you as you research what type of estate planning documents would be right for your situation.

But make sure you don’t rely on it as your only source. Try to find some local attorneys who specialize in will and trust law. A lot of times they have really good resources on their websites. Also, schedule an initial consultation with a trust attorney.

This is a great way to get all of your questions answered from a professional who advises clients daily on what type of trust would be right for their unique situation.