Online Will Packages Vs. Hiring A Lawyer
Posted by on Oct 1, 2017 in Blog, Wills & Estate
Because of their sensitive nature, wills don’t always get the attention they deserve. While you’re able to write your own will, doing so can sometimes mean missing some important details that can have some less than ideal results. Join Heritage Law as they outline when to go DIY and when you should chat with a professional.
When To Use A DIY Will
Online DIY will packages can be cost-effective if your will is relatively simple (ex. if you plan to move 100% of your assets over to one person). This is the best time to use a do-it-yourself will program because there is less of a chance that an error will be made, or that something will be missed.
When To Hire a Lawyer
Choosing to hire a lawyer who works in estate planning is always going to be a safer bet than doing it yourself because your lawyer will be well versed on how to properly draft and create wills. However, it does come with a bigger price tag. Consider hiring a lawyer to help you draft up your will if:
- Your affairs are complicated. (Ex. different assets going to different people, some assets being split between multiple people, etc.)
- You’re not sure about the laws that surround signing authority and notarization in your province.
- You have questions about how to best organize your affairs. Sites that offer do-it-yourself legal services agree that if you’re
- looking at creating a complex will, it’s best to speak to a professional who can make sure it’s done right.
Common Do-It-Yourself Will Mistakes
If you decide to use a preformatted will package, make sure you don’t commit these common mistakes!
- Don’t leave stuff to pets! Leaving money to pets, in the eyes of the law, is the same as leaving property to property. To make sure your animal is taken care of, be sure to name a caretaker in your will.
- Outlining end-of-life decisions. It’s important to note the difference between wills and living wills. In most circumstances, your will won’t be read until after you die. This means that if you outline in your will that you don’t want to be placed on life support, it may be too late to carry out your wishes by the time the document is read.
- Not coordinating beneficiary designations. If you have any accounts that have a beneficiary named, make sure it lines up with what is on your will. Naming a different beneficiary in your will won’t stand up in court unless it aligns with that is listed on the account itself.
Heritage Law Can Help
If you’re looking to get the assistance of a lawyer when planning your estate, get in touch with the experts at Heritage Law. Call us today!
