Are Suze Orman's Documents Legally Binding?

Suze Orman is technically a financial advisor, but a more accurate description is a fusion of financier and life coach. Born in Chicago, Suze Orman has gone on to author at least 12 books and rake in a net worth of $75 million. 

Despite her fame and fortune, many experts say Orman's advice is misdirected. Among other capitalizations, she sells financial documents through her website. So, are Suze Orman's documents legally binding or just for show?

Head to suzeorman.com and you will find a shopping page where you can see all of her products including books, audio files, videos, and online courses. Orman also sells collections and kits, some of which include:

• Suze Orman's Ultimate Protection Pak for 18+ Online Program includes a questionnaire, audio and visual explanations of legal documents, young adult power of attorney for healthcare, and young adult power of attorney for finance.
• Suze Orman's Must-Have Documents Online Program includes a will, revocable trust, financial power of attorney, and durable power of attorney for healthcare.

Despite their unpopularity, Orman is a staunch proponent of revocable trusts. However, that clearly isn't the only document she's working with. Some of the documents she sells are quite potent, that is if they actually count in court.

The Must-Have Documents program costs $199.00, while the 18+ program costs $36.00. Orman sells other kits that are also worth hundreds of dollars, but her most popular option is the collection with her four must-have documents. All questions of legality aside, Orman is definitely pushing her products for more than just passion.

Suze Orman doesn't have a legal background. Her documents can be considered legal if they are completed properly. The person who's filling out the will (or other estate planning document) must be sure to have the right amount of witnesses and get everything notarized as necessary.

If your situation is simple, you may be able to get away with purchasing one of Orman's must-have document kits. However, unique personal situations may complicate things.

Experts suggest that you should consult a lawyer if:

• There's a person with a disability in the family
• You might encounter a will contest
• Your family is blended
• You want to disinherit your spouse
• You own assets beyond your state's bounds
• You need a trust

As you can imagine, tons of people fall into these categories—so a basic document kit from Orman may or may not suffice.

A lot of people love Suze Orman because she gives out non-traditional financial guidance. However, some financial experts suggest that she doles out bad advice. Others say that she isn't the expert she claims to be, which can be dangerous for individuals in precarious financial positions who choose to take her word. There are a few key reasons for this.

There are a few key reasons why some financial experts are cautious.

• Orman is a huge fan of revocable trusts, but they aren't actually right for everyone. She suggests that they help cut out costs for legal representation. However, creating a revocable trust in the first place can be expensive and tedious.
• She has given some seriously unprofitable stock market advice to the masses.
• She's an entertainer, which makes laypeople question her legitimacy and purpose.

Whether or not Suze Orman's financial advice is worth taking is an ongoing debate, but her documents are legal—as long as you complete them correctly and have a no-drama familial situation. It's advisable to always get an expert to review your estate planning documents.