If you’ve heard all the reasons it’s so important not to die without a will, but you’re still not crazy about the idea of sitting down with an estate planning attorney, you may be tempted to use an online form will and call it a day. The allure of online form wills is clear — it’s nice to think that maybe you could knock out your estate planning by downloading a document off the internet, filling in the blanks, and signing your name on the dotted line. The fact of the matter is that it’s just not that simple. Today we’re looking at three of the top reasons the use of online form wills is so dangerous.
1. It might not comply with state laws.
Every state has different laws governing what happens to your assets after you pass away and what makes a will valid or invalid. If you download a form will off the internet there’s no guarantee it will even be valid in the state where you live. This can become even more complicated if you’ve lived in another state in the past or if you own property in a different state from the one where you live now. Only an estate planning attorney can look at your individual situation and know what is required to make your will legally binding.
2. You might make a mistake filling it out.
The fill-in-the-blanks on a form will might seem relatively straightforward, but it is extremely easy to make a mistake that could change the document’s meaning entirely. Part of an estate planning attorney’s job is to help you understand the far-reaching consequences of every decision you make throughout the process.
3. You might need more than just a will.
It is very rare that a will is the only estate planning document someone needs to ensure that all their wishes are respected and their assets protected. Most secure and well-organized estate plans also utilize trusts as well as documents like living wills and powers of attorney.
The bottom line is that if you want to make sure your loved ones are cared for and your assets are protected after you are gone, using an online form will just won’t cut it. You need to sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney. At Pence Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to make the process as stress free and straightforward as possible. If you’re ready to get started, please contact us today. We can’t wait to hear from you.