Do-it-yourself (DIY) wills are becoming increasingly popular. Some websites offer quick and easy fill-in-the-blank style templates. It may seem cheap and simple to take on the will writing process on your own. But is it the best option? Read on to learn more about the estate planning process and DIY wills.
Why Write a Will Yourself?
There are a few reasons one may attempt to write a will on his or her own. Some may feel that they are competent enough and therefore don’t need the help of a skilled attorney. Others may be convinced that it is the cheapest option. Many simply don’t want to make the trip to an attorney’s office. There are lots of reasons someone might want to open his computer, fill out his will, and be done with the process. In reality, the process of creating and validating a will can be complicated, and by writing a will without the help or guidance of an attorney, you may be putting your assets at great risk.
What Could go Wrong?
Planning for your future can be a complex process. To thoroughly plan ahead, you will need more than just a will. An online estate planning site will likely charge you a fee for each document you create, causing the fees to add up to more than you expected. Alternatively, going to a lawyer can ensure that you have a comprehensive estate plan and that you have all the documents you need, including a will, a trust, a power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and any other documents that may be beneficial to your estate. One of the biggest things that can go wrong is the validity of your will. There are very specific requirements you need to meet in order for your will to be considered valid. If you do not correctly complete this process, your will might not be considered valid in the eyes of the law. This can lead to lots of issues down the line. For example, if your will is not valid, your family may have to fight to attain your assets.
Planning for your future is one of the most important things you can do. Drafting a will allows you to declare your wishes and ensure that your family is taken care of in the event of your passing. If you want to ensure that this is done correctly, you will want to reach out to a skilled and knowledgeable attorney. Reach out to our firm with any questions you may have, or if you are ready to begin the estate planning process.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one needs assistance creating an estate plan and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact the Law Office of Andres D. Gil, PLLC today.