What Tony said +1
IMHO, understanding the details and implications comes from doing the upfront work, even if you decide to use a lawyer. Googling for DIY wills and trusts will bring up many source sites. Doing a preliminary "fill in the blanks" trust requires some soul searching, as there are many things to think about.... not just for those who will be included in the trust, but for contingencies and options. For instance: A son who you might want to include, who was divorced. While you want him to have a portion of your estate, what happens to that money, should he pass away. Would you want the money to go to her? Exclusions are just as important as inclusions in many cases.
The other part of this, is that Trusts and Wills are living documents. It's not a one time deal, but like a bank account, need to be maintained and updated. After one year or even less, situations change... for you, and for those for whom you choose to provide. In efforts to balance endowments, values change... cash, stocks, housing values etc. If the jewelry goes to #1, and the house to #2 and other assets go to #3... will this be equitable in 5 years? And what if #1 marries into big money, and #2 goes bankrupt and #3 is in jail?
In the lawyer's office, most of this is cut and dried... and certainly anything you would do yourself should be legally validated. The point is, by going through a step by step process, online and at your own pace, this will go a long way towards making thoughtful decisions and probably offer more thoughtful options on taxes, and the later effects on the beneficiary... especially for things like IRA's, Annuities, Life Insurance.
Having seen some expensive mistakes made by members of our senior community, who blindly followed a estate attorney's advice, I believe that due diligence is in order. It's not an easy process, and if done properly, is not a one or two hour exercise.
Having expounded on this, now, I have to go and look at my own plans again... since it's been two years.
Do as I say, , not as I do.