This is because their terms and conditions clearly state that they are not legal advisors thus, they have no authority or responsibility to inform you of the mistake. Shockingly enough, these companies are not required to inform you of your error. This feature could lead you to self-create clauses that contradict other elements of your will. You are given the opportunity to put anything you wish in the special directives box. For example, LegalZoom and RocketLawyer both allow you to edit your completed will. DIY Will Programs Can Be Too Flexibleįlexibility in the will making process can actually work against you sometimes. Similarly, if the will doesn’t have the appropriate supporting affidavit from the witnesses and notary, then at the time of your death, your family may be required to locate the original witnesses in order to establish the validity of the will. Having died without a proper will, a probate court would administer your estate and local law would determine who receives your assets. This error would result in your will being invalidated. However, companies like LegalZoom will not inform you of the witness requirement or who is qualified to serve as a witness. For example, in North Carolina, a will is only binding once the testator signs it in the presence of two witnesses. While the actual document might contain the basic nuts and bolts of a last will and testament, it cannot advise you on key state-by-state differences. Online retailers, such as LegalZoom, sell form wills that contain generic instructions for all 50 states. The Dangers of DIY Estate Planning Documents Certain Mistakes Can Invalidate Your Will People with complex family situations (such as children from different marriages) or great wealth are especially advised to seek out the professional help of an estate planner. Since no two families are identical, these documents leave a lot to be desired. However, the reality is that these online forms attempt to plug unique situations into a one-size-fits-all legal document. People with relatively straightforward needs (ex: an individual with no children and few assets) might find that these programs do the trick. This year thousands of people will bypass lawyers and will use online tools to create their own wills, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
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