Is It a Good Idea to Make a Will Online?
A last will and testament is the most commonly thought-of document when it comes to an estate plan. But really it is only a part of an integrated plan that ensures your family stays out of probate and out of conflict, when something happens to you.
You have probably seen ads from services that tout the idea that you can write your own will quickly online. Easily and cheaply — maybe even while you are in the security line at the airport (seriously, we have seen those ads in our own Facebook feeds). Or yard signs on your street by a document preparer, who may not even have a college degree and everyone gets the same documents as they don’t understand the legal concepts contained within those documents or what else is available.
Instead, consider the reality that creating your will online or with a document preparer could create far more trouble for your loved ones down the road. Your family and loved ones need you to get professional advice from someone who can help you look at what you own, who you love, and what would happen to you and everyone you love if and when something happens to you. Even more importantly, professional advice helps you understand and make informed choices on the myriads of issues that should be covered in a will.
Death is inevitable, and incapacity can happen before that. These are realities we can’t ignore. Facing them now ensures you—and your loved ones—can live your best life. If left unaddressed, it’s your loved ones who will bear the burden of what you didn’t take care of and at a significantly higher cost.
Unfortunately, if you go in it alone, you may miss important facets of what happens in the event of your incapacity or death. For example, you may think that a will is sufficient when what you really need is a probate avoidance trust to keep your family out of court. Creating a will online won’t keep your estate out of court.
You may think your kids or pets are protected because you have a will or you had a verbal conversation with family, but you really need a comprehensive estate plan like a Child Protection Plan or a Pet Trust. Without it your kids could end up in the care of strangers, even if temporarily. Before you do anything, get educated by an attorney, who is experienced in estate planning and start making informed decisions.
The right plan for you begins with knowing what you have. Then it continues with clearly documenting what is necessary to keep your family out of court, conflict and your assets out of the state’s unclaimed property fund.
The biggest mistake you can make is not facing the reality of death, the second biggest mistake is facing it alone.
If you need help preparing an Estate Plan, contact our office at (480) 625.5244 or email us at info@bizestatelaw.com – we will help you through the process so you can make sure your loved ones are protected, and your wishes are honored in legally binding documents. We offer a complimentary 30- Minute meet and greet to discuss your needs and what we can do to help.
