Many people around the country choose to make their own wills. This can be done through online forms, computer software, or with the assistance of books. However, one of the questions you need to ask is whether a do-it-yourself (DIY) will be as effective as one created by an estate planning attorney.
In most cases, the answer is no. While it might seem that any will is better than no will, this isn’t always true. Some DIY wills will not be executed properly. It could be invalid, which leads to the estate being handled as if no will was made, to begin with.
Not Appropriate for Everyone
Many of the products that help you create a will are extremely generic. This is done to ensure that they meet the needs of large numbers of people. The problem is that most estates are far from generic. You might think you have little to add to a will but that may not be accurate.
Everything from real estate to online assets and bank accounts to life insurance should be included in a will. DIY wills might offer the basics of a legal document, but it can be challenging to adapt the will to meet your specific needs.
Lack of Assistance
When you use a book or a website template to create a will, you may not have all the information you need. If you aren’t sure how to fill something out or you don’t understand some aspect of the will, there’s nobody available to help you. Internet research may help but it doesn’t make a substitute for having someone available with a law degree. After all, information on the Internet isn’t always true.
When you work with an estate planning attorney, you have someone to answer questions. They can give you advice and create a will that meets all modern regulations and laws.
Possibility of Challenges
Wills can be contested, whether made by an experienced attorney or through a template. However, the legal challenges are more substantial with a DIY will. If the will becomes invalidated, the people you want to inherit your estate may not receive what you desire.
While you might save money with a DIY will, it could lead to bigger issues. Working with an experienced attorney at Bell & Shah might cost more but it is important to protect your future. Get in touch with an estate lawyer today to get a will started that meets all your needs.
