Online Wills, Software or Attorney?
Should I use a Online Wills services, a will writing software or just get an attorney? This is a common question people ask.
While some sites you come across will say something along the lines “you don’t really need the other”, my own experience says that each has its merit.
Although most attorney will advise against using any software to have a will written, it may surprise you that, they use a will writing software! The difference off course is their expertise in more complicated situations.
The real example below should help you decide which method is best for you and your family. A simple Will is sufficient for the situations below:-
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You and your spouse are in your 30s, own a home, 2 cars, have some savings and investments. Your net worth is around $400,000. You have 2 young children. Both you and your significant other want to leave all your properties to each other. In case you die together, you want your properties to go to your children equally. And both of you agree to have your younger sister look after the children until they are 10 years old.
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You are a single parent and have a teenage son. You want everything to go to your son. You ex is still around but you do not want him to manage the properties left to your son. You appoint your brother to manage the funds until your son is 18.
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You have 3 adult children and your property is worth around $500,000. Your spouse has already passed on a few years ago. You want to leave most of everything to your surviving children equally and a token amount to your grandchildren equally.
My personal suggestion is this. If you have a bit of time and want to save some money, try out the online wills services first. Most of them only charge you when you have finished answering questions and filling out the form. If you are uncomfortable along the way, then you can stop and decide to use an attorney to write your Will. That way, you have the best of both world.