Are you trying to figure out how to create a Last Will and Testament? Preparing a will almost always involves an attorney. However, hiring an attorney can prove to be a costly option if you have a simple estate. In such cases, you can consider creating an online will instead. An online will program can offer you the resources you need to make a simple will without getting wrapped up in too many technicalities. Most often online will programs are created by estate attorneys to assure their legality.
Read on as we discuss the benefits of creating an online will for free vs. hiring an attorney for the job.
It’s More Accessible
Creating a will is necessary for estate planning. However, given how complicated it can be, most people tend to put it off until later. This is even more prevalent for people with a a lot of assets. According to a 2020 survey, 68% of Americans do not have a will because they find it unpleasant and difficult. Unfortunately, 100% of those families will have dysfunction because their isn’t a will.
There’s also the question of finding the right estate planning attorney or online program for the job. If you have been delaying making a will because you can’t find a trustworthy attorney, an online will can help you. Unlike hiring an attorney, you have a readily available resource at your disposal that lets you create a will independently.
It’s Cheaper
Cost is a major reason why most people don’t create a will. You already have so many financial obligations. Hiring an attorney to make a will probably isn’t a priority.
An online will can be a suitable option here. You can create it for free. Even if you want an attorney to look at it later, it’s good to have something in place. Life is unpredictable, and having a simple will at hand can help your family avoid things like intestacy.
It’s More Flexible
One benefit of creating an online will is that you can do things at your own pace. Even if you take out a few hours during the week, you can use this time to prepare your online will. Hiring an attorney doesn’t offer this luxury.
Some estate planning attorneys charge a flat hourly fee, which can be anywhere between $150 to $300 per hour. When you are on the clock, it can be easy to feel pressured and skip out on essential aspects you want to include in the will. With online wills, you can take the time to carefully go through your assets and determine how you want to distribute them to your family. You can also do your own research on how wills work and prepare a will that reflects your wishes.
It Offers Room for Changes
When it comes to preparing a will, nothing is set in stone, and things can change dramatically. You may get married or divorced. A family member may fall ill and become incapacitated. Such events often call for a change in your will, and you may want to distribute your assets differently.
Hiring an attorney to make these changes can be troublesome, not to mention costly. With an online will, you can make a change any time you want. Instead of worrying about the cost, you can dedicate your time and energy to deciding what changes to make. You can respond to any major life events quickly and easily and do right by your family.
It Allows Time to Choose the Right Executor and Guardian
Choosing the right executor is one of the most important considerations of creating a will. You need to make sure you are appointing a responsible person for the job.
Selecting a guardian for your children or pets also requires careful thought. You need to choose someone financially stable, trustworthy, and of the right age. They must also be able to offer your child a nurturing environment that allows them to lead a good life.
Naturally, these are not spur-of-the-moment decisions. You will also need to ask the person if they are willing to take on this responsibility. With online wills, you can take all the time you need to decide who you want as an executor and your child’s guardian.
In the case of an estate planning attorney, you need to streamline these things as quickly as possible. Rushing into it may force you to make the wrong decision, though. If working with an estate planning attorney doesn’t allow you the luxury of time, we suggest creating an online will instead. This way, you will be sure you are doing the right thing.
To learn more about choosing the right executor and guardian, click here to read our blog on the top 8 things to consider when making a will.
It Provides You with a Legal Will that Complies with State Laws
Online will programs allow you to create a will that is compliant with state and federal laws. If you want to double-check, you can always prepare a working draft online and then submit it to an estate planning attorney. The attorney can review your will and make any changes they deem necessary.
In a Nutshell: Creating an Online Will Can Assure Your Peace of Mind
Remember, when it comes to making a Last Will and Testament, something is better than nothing. If anything happens to you and you don’t have a will, the state will take over the distribution of your assets. In this case, your assets will go to your heirs according to the laws of intestacy. These vary according to the state you reside in.
If you are not prepared to seek an estate planning attorney yet, we strongly recommend creating an online will to avoid such problems. You can save time and money while also making sure your assets get distributed as per your wishes.