We’re sure you have heard a lot about online will services. While it seems like an easy process, there are many questions you should ask yourself before you create an online will. Is that what’s right for you? Will that be valid in court? If valid, will the document operate as you had intended?
At The Law Office of Julie A. Paquette, we’re more than just estate planning lawyers – we’re your partners in crafting a secure future for your family. Our personalized approach ensures your wishes are understood and protected, giving you the peace of mind you deserve. Our attorneys have years of experience in creating custom wills and estate plans for Michigan residents. We understand how to write personalized wills that include everything your loved ones will need to know about your final wishes when you pass.
What Are the Disadvantages of DIY Wills?
A will is an extremely important document that ensures your assets are properly divided after your passing. Online DIY will services may seem like a convenient option, but an improperly prepared will is not a risk you want to take.
Some of the issues involved in a DIY will include:
- Possibility of errors: DIY wills can be prone to errors or omissions if you’re not familiar with legal terminology or your state’s specific requirements, which could invalidate your will or lead to disputes after your passing.
- Limited personalization: DIY will services typically don’t offer custom legal advice for your unique situation.
- Potential for dispute after your death: If your DIY will is poorly drafted or unclear, it could increase the likelihood of disputes among your beneficiaries, leading to stress and possible legal battles for your family.
- Failure to account for state laws: Estate planning laws vary by state, and DIY wills might not comply with Michigan’s specific requirements.
We understand that if you are considering doing a DIY will that you are likely the kind of person who wants to find ways to spend money wisely, not wastefully. However, this is one of those cases where you can lose sight of the bigger picture worrying about the cost of good planning. For instance, without legal guidance, you could very well set up your DIY will to send your family through the costly and frustrating process of probate court when you didn’t even need to.
If you own real estate, bank accounts, investments and/or life insurance, a will is not even the best way to transfer those assets. You may find that you need full estate planning services. There are better options that you may not know about or be able to consider without the benefit of legal counsel.
An Example of a DIY Will Gone Wrong
Our estate planning team has seen many instances of DIY wills gone wrong, particularly for individuals on their deathbeds. As an example, according to a witness, a dying man dictated his wishes to his girlfriend to write out for him at his bedside. The witness claimed that the man read what she had written, and then signed and dated the document. After his death, the girlfriend attempted to admit this document to court as the decedent’s will.
Our law office represented the man’s children and were able to successfully block the admission of the will. Had the girlfriend been represented by competent counsel, we believe she could have been successful in having that will accepted by the court.
Contact The Law Office of Julie A. Paquette Today!
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. The Law Office of Julie A. Paquette can help you craft a will that will ensure your final wishes are kept and help your loved ones avoid a contentious, drawn-out legal process after you pass. Contact us today for a free consultation!
