The Internet is a fantastic tool for so many areas of life —there’s nothing handier than Google. That said, while it’s a great information gathering tool, I do not recommend using it to find online forms to draft legal documents —any legal documents. I always, ALWAYS recommend hiring a reputable attorney in the state in which you reside to prepare legal documents, and this includes Wills.
For starters, Wills are state-specific, and generic online forms may not hit all the requirements of your state. Further, and possibly, more importantly, a huge misconception is that a Will will help you avoid Probate, and depending on your circumstance that may very well NOT be the case. Not to mention a poorly drawn-up Will may not only not avoid Probate but may create a COMPLEX Probate where one did not need to happen. By using an online will, you are forgoing legal advice that could be very helpful to your loved ones after your pass. Wills drafted by attorneys are specific to your needs and drawn from the years of legal experience of the attorney.
In sum, I tell folks all the time it is ALWAYS cheaper to get legal advice upfront than to pay an attorney to fix things after….
Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law serves clients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Melbourne and beyond with matters of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook, or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi.
