Using a DIY tool to create a will saves both time and money. However, using this option could result in costly estate planning blunders. Issues such as typos, missing documents, and lack of personalized online support are common with DIY will kits.

Online DIY Estate Planning Vs. Hiring an Attorney  

Online wills and trusts may not sufficiently address all the personal and financial concerns of a testator. While many people would prefer to use DIY tools to create wills, getting professional guidance from a will attorney can help avoid common mistakes. An experienced attorney can help a client prepare his or her documents correctly.

Many DIY kits for creating wills and estate plans continue to be available on the internet. Despite the convenience, availability, and inexpensive nature of these kits, most people don’t have a current estate plan or will. A recent estate planning and will survey shows that only 32% of American adults have a will or any other form of estate planning document.

Upsides and Downsides of DIY Wills

A DIY service provides a client with a plan as swiftly and affordably as possible. Having some plan is better than having none, especially when it comes to advanced directives, will, and power of attorney. Those documents take care of most emergencies for individuals with no real estate property.

The disadvantage of DIY sites is that most of them are designed for the client who knows exactly what he or she wants. The reality, however, is that most people can benefit from working with an estate planning attorney to learn about the options that may be available to them. 

Getting Legal Help

Speaking with a will attorney equips the client with relevant information on how to create an effective estate plan and how comprehensive the plan should be. The attorney analyzes the client’s unique situation and advises him or her on whether to create a trust or will. On top of drafting the document, the attorney also ensures the client will leave proper documents for his or her loved ones.