Things You Need To Know When Preparing A Will
Do-It-Yourself estate planning seems great at first, because why pay a professional for a job you could do yourself? You open the computer, and a few clicks later you have…
Written by Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.
- Published
- February 4, 2015
- Updated
- August 10, 2026
Do-It-Yourself estate planning seems great at first, because why pay a professional for a job you could do yourself? You open the computer, and a few clicks later you have a will for what seems like a deal. However, when it comes to your estate planning, do you really want to risk it to save a few dollars, only to leave your family entangled in court costs and litigation? Creating a will online creates risks in an area that will have lasting consequences. Mistakes in a will can alter family relationships and leave loved ones confused, disappointed, embittered, or locked in hostile litigation.
Creating a will online creates risks in an area that will have lasting consequences.
What to Consider Before You DIY
Before delving into the DIY project, there is a lot to think through:
- Who will be the guardian of your child, and is that person capable?
- Will you provide for a special needs child?
- What about divorce, marriage, death, or the incapacity of a beneficiary or yourself?
- Are your property and accounts held separately, jointly, or in different states?
- Who will be in charge of your estate?
- What about tax-savings strategies?
Was Your Will Properly Executed?
Say you made your own will. Was it properly executed? Did you use dispositive (“I convey”) or precatory (“I would like”) language? Is your intent clear? These answers matter, because if the answer is no, then the will is void, and now your family is left without a will.
If the answer is no, then the will is void, and now your family is left without a will.
There are many things to evaluate before drafting your own estate planning documents, and some of them may be best left to the professionals. Different states have different rules for all of the issues above, and the person drafting the documents should know those rules.
Get Answers to Your Estate Planning Questions
Who will be in charge of your estate? Was your will properly executed? Call Amerilawyer today at (800) 603-3900 for answers to your estate planning questions.
At Amerilawyer, our goal is to give every client as much information as possible about asset protection, trusts, and wills. We are available to talk through any legal aspect of asset protection, trusts, and wills at your convenience, either over the phone or in person at the Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. office nearest you.
This article is provided for general information only and is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Will and estate planning requirements vary by state. Contact Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. for guidance on your specific situation.
