The internet has made almost everything much more accessible. You can do your banking online, gain an education and communicate with people across the world. You can also do your estate planning this way. However, is this in your best interests?
There are numerous online will templates available, which makes choosing one a bit of a lottery if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Outlined below are some of the more common risks with drafting your own will.
Making your intentions clear
You need the instructions in your final will to be clear. Clarity in estate planning documents means that your final wishes will be honored, and your loved ones will receive the assets that you intend them to. If there is room for dispute, then someone might challenge your estate. If you’re not used to drafting these documents on a regular basis, then it’s very easy to forget something or write statements that are ambiguous rather than authoritative.
Adhering to regional laws
Estate planning law varies from state to state. If you’ve downloaded an online will template, then it is most likely to be generic. It may even be designed for a different state than you are currently in. If upon further examination, your will does not fall in line with the laws of the relevant state, it could be deemed invalid. This means that instead of your instructions being carried out, matters regarding the inheritance of your loved ones could be decided by the courts.
Is it worth the risk?
For something as important as your family’s inheritance, it really isn’t worth taking any chances. Having a knowledgeable support network on your side will help to ensure that you leave the legacy behind that you always wanted to.