Should I Use A Will Off Of The Internet?

Many websites provide cheap or even free wills. Many people choose to go with these do-it-yourself (DIY) wills, and you may be wondering if this is the right option to ensure that your assets pass onto future generations. Before you decide to download a free or low-cost will online, here are some questions to consider:

Is It Up To Date?

Laws change. The art of will creation improves over time. What might have been an effective will a decade or even five years ago when it was put online may not be as effective today.

Is It Legal?

Who created the will? Was it made by lawyers or individuals with a legal education? What proof is offered to indicate that the will complies with Louisiana estate laws? Is it even state-specific, or is it a generic will offered to anyone anywhere in the United States? If a will is not legally sound, it may be of little benefit to your family.

Who Is Checking For Accuracy?

Who is checking to make certain you have included all your assets and beneficiaries? Who is reviewing the language to ensure that it is clear and will not cause any confusion in terms of your wishes? Who is making certain that nothing is overlooked that could cause your will to be worthless? Is it a random person? Is it a computer program? An experienced attorney will review your will to make certain it is accurate and that nothing was missed. The language will be strong and clear so as to head off potential disputes. This is very personalized work. Do you trust a computer program or random person to do it?

Is A Will Enough?

There is much more to planning your estate than creating a will. A will addresses only what happens to your assets when you pass away. It does not address important details like how you want to be cared for and who you want handling your affairs in the event of incapacity. Further, tools like trusts might be considered for more complex estates and more unique goals in terms of how assets should be passed on.

Have You Considered The Cost?

People often assume that hiring an experienced lawyer to create a will is too expensive. At the law firm of Weems, Schimpf, Haines, Shemwell & Moore (APLC), we take care to meet people’s needs within their budgets. We encourage you to contact us to discuss will creation and to get an accurate estimate of the cost. You may be surprised.