A will is one of the most important documents for any person to have. It lays out your wishes of what happens to your assets and minor children when the inevitable happens.
A will allows you to designate an executor, appoint guardians for your children, choose beneficiaries and heirs, and select specific charitable causes and other beneficiaries of your estate.
Unfortunately, most people believe that creating a will is a time consuming and expensive task that requires a visit to the attorney’s office. However, this is not the case. There is a new way that can make the process of writing a will much easier on you _ online will!
In this article, we discuss how to create a will online.
What’s an online will?
An online will is a will that is created and stored electronically, typically on a website. It is created without the help of a lawyer, but through the guidance of online wills service providers.
Most websites will require you to create an account then answer a series of questions about your assets, who will act as your minor children’s guardian, who will be your will’s executor, and your beneficiaries. The website will use the information you provide to build your will and once the online will is completed, it can be printed or downloaded for future use.
Are online wills legit?
The answer is yes, you can create a legally binding will online. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you do. First, ensure you use a reputable site or service. There are several reputable companies and websites out there that offer this service, so do your research and pick one that has accurate up-to-date information about wills.
Second, be aware of the laws in your state. An online will is only valid if it meets the state’s requirements. Each state has different laws regarding wills and estate planning, so make sure you understand the laws in your state before you proceed.
Lastly, take some time to think about what you want your will to say. What are your wishes? Who do you want to oversee the distribution of your assets? Who are your beneficiaries?
Taking the time to consider these things ahead of time will help ensure that your online will is valid, and that your wishes are carried out exactly as you intended.
So, how do you create a will online without a lawyer?
As previously mentioned, making a will online is easier than most people think. You don’t need to hire an attorney or drive to the lawyer’s office. You can do it all from the comfort of your own home with just a few clicks of the mouse.
There are many online companies that provide will-writing services. Some of them are free, while others charge a small fee. Either way, it’s cheaper and more convenient than going to the lawyer’s office.
When creating a will online, you’ll be asked to provide answers to some basic questions about your assets and beneficiaries. Begin the process by taking inventory of your assets. Your assets include investment accounts, land, cars, real estates, your home, jewelry, artwork, furniture and family heirlooms.
The next step is deciding who you want to leave these assets to _ your beneficiaries. A beneficiary can be anyone except the person witnessing the will signing.
Lastly, you’ll be required to appoint an executor. This is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes and overseeing the distribution of your assets.
Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, you’re ready to download and print your online will. You should then sign it in front of two witnesses and store it in a safe place.
Making a will is an important step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of after you pass away. With a little bit of effort, it’s easy to do it yourself without spending a lot of money on legal fees.
Is creating a will online a good idea?
There are numerous benefits of writing your will online. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it is easy and quick. You don’t have to make a trip to the attorney’s office or wait for a couple of days for the legal document to be prepared.
An online will also cost less. Attorneys charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for their services. Luckily, there are several reputable websites that will allow you to create a legally-binding will for a fraction of the cost.
Lastly, another benefit of creating a will online is convenience and flexibility. You can make changes to it at any time. If you need to update your will due to life event changes or simply a change of mind, you can easily log in and make the necessary changes.
Conclusion
Creating a will online can allow you to rest easy knowing that your affairs are in order and that your dependents are well-protected should you pass away unexpectedly. The good news is that thanks to the internet and will-writing websites, you can now create your will online without having to go through a lawyer. With a little bit of research, you can ensure that your final wishes are carried out exactly as you want them to be.
