You can base your whole estate plan on an online will if you wish, but it is not advisable. Despite the apparent ease of creation and the attractive price, for most people, it’s just another of those internet offers that are not as good as the sellers want you to believe.
You are unique, and your needs and wishes when estate planning will be different from other people’s. While a one-size-fits-all solution may be fine for a T-shirt or pair of pants, a tailor-made solution is definitely advisable for a situation such as an estate plan where there is so much at stake.
Here are some of the downsides to online wills:
They might not be legally accurate
An online will that is mostly legally correct but not entirely so may be invalid in the eyes of a probate court. Even one mistake might throw the whole estate plan into jeopardy, causing distress and delay for those you leave behind. Remember, requirements can vary from state to state, and even if a website has different options for different states, it might not get updated promptly when there is a change in requirements.
When you get help to make a will in person, you can rest safe in the knowledge that it will be compliant with the current laws in your state.
They provide an average solution to the problem
There are so many more estate planning tools available than just a simple will that it would be foolish not to consider them before deciding what you need. Even if you decide not to go for things like trusts in the end, at least you will have made a conscious, well-informed decision to decline them. Estate planning is one of those areas where it’s worthwhile investing a bit more time and effort. Your family will thank you for it.
