There are many positives to technology which include gaining easy access to information. This includes information in the area of estate planning. There are websites dedicated to providing will templates and much more so that you can take a DIY approach to estate planning.
A will is a legal document that determines who will inherit your assets once you die. It can also outline the guardians you would prefer to look after your children. In short, a will is a very important document.
While nothing is stopping you from drafting a will on your own, it may not be the best idea. Here’s why:
It may lack legal validity
Typically, DIY estate planning websites look to appeal to a wide range of people. This means that they offer generic templates that could apply to various situations.
The problem with this is that estate planning laws in each state are very different. The legal terminology and regulations are very specific. If you’re drafting a will in Oklahoma then you need a will that adheres to Oklahoma law.
It may lack specificity
On top of being legally watertight, you also want your will to address your needs and all of your final wishes. Websites may offer brief questionnaires to try and suit your needs, but the answers provided will lack specificity.
The only way to ensure that your needs are fully met is to take a tailored approach to estate planning. This is something that has to be provided in person by someone with knowledge in the field.
Seek further legal guidance to discuss your estate planning options. The last thing you want is for all of your efforts to go to waste and for your estate to end up in litigation because you don’t have a clear, valid will.