American Indian Owned Law Firm

Can you draft a will on your own?

On Behalf of | Jun 14, 2022 | Probate & Estate Planning

With advancing technology, there is little that you can’t do from your cell phone or laptop. This includes making a will. There are numerous websites out there that offer various will templates.

Is drafting a will as easy as it first appears, though? In short, the answer is no. While you can create a DIY will, there are many things that could go wrong. Outlined below are some important factors to consider.

Meeting all of your needs

Online templates tend to be generic. They may cover a few key points, but there are many aspects that might be omitted. While you know your specific needs and final wishes, it’s one thing to know them and another to compound them in a legally binding document.

Who is accountable?

If you take a chance and draft your own will, what happens if something goes wrong? You may invest a considerable amount of time and money into drafting the document yourself, with little to no recourse if you later find out that the document is invalid. Parties that offer guidance on these matters have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests, and they can be held accountable if an error is made.

The law is specific

State laws tend to vary in terms of estate planning. The legal language utilized for these purposes may include phrases that you have not seen before. To ensure that your needs are satisfied, it could be in your best interests to seek assistance from someone who deals with the law on a daily basis.

Creating an estate plan can be daunting, but it is really something that every person should consider. As you plan for the future, make sure you have been accurately informed about your legal rights.