The Problem With Using an Online Will Template

If you’ve been thinking about making a will lately, and searched the internet for some advice, you may have seen search results promoting do-it-yourself will templates that you can just download and complete at home for a seemingly small sum of money.

Maybe they seem like the perfect solution, saving you money and time. But is it as simple as they claim? Of course not. As with a lot of cheap things you only see sold on the internet you could end up regretting your purchase. Here are some of the problems:

It will probably be poorly made because you are making it

Do you have legal training? Do you understand what is required in one state versus the next to ensure a will stands up in a probate court? Think about all the other areas of life where you would always get professional help because you don’t know what you are doing. Making a will is one of the most important things you will ever do and you cannot afford to make mistakes.

You might sell yourself and your family short

Online wills are an attempt to create a one-size-fits-all solution for an area where one size definitely does not fit all. A well-made estate plan will be tailored to your specific needs. Estate plans can complete many tasks, from protecting your wealth and health to ensuring continuity if you fall ill to ensuring your children are cared for if you die before they reach the age of majority. A standard template downloaded from the internet cannot do all this.

You won’t realize it is inadequate until it is too late

It’s not like buying a cheap item of clothing online and hoping it fits you – you can’t just send a will back because by the time someone realizes it’s unsuitable, you will already be dead. That could leave a host of problems for the loved ones you leave behind.

Consider learning more about the benefits of a personalized estate plan for the good of you and your family.