Making a will is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. It ensures that your property and possessions are distributed in the way you want after your death. But many people do not create wills because they think it is complicated or expensive. This is no longer the case. In this guide, we will show you how to create a will online in just a few minutes.
What Is A Will?
Before we show you how to create a will online, let's first define what a will is. A will is a legal document that states how you want your property and possessions to be distributed after your death.
It includes who gets what, how much they get, and how the transfer of property takes place. A will also include instructions for how you want your funeral to be handled and other burial arrangements that should be made.
It can also include instructions for the care of your children or pets. A will is important because it ensures that your wishes are carried out after your death.
A will is simply an instruction manual telling people how to handle your properties and affairs after death.
How To Create A Will Online
Now that you know why it is important to have a will, let's show you how to create one online. The process is very simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Here are the steps you need to take:
And that is it! You have now created a legally binding will online. Congratulations!
Remember: When making a will, you need to detail the following:
- Assets: You need to list all of your assets, such as homes, cars, and bank accounts.
- Liabilities: This is how much you owe in debt.
- Beneficiaries: These are the people who will receive assets after you die (they can also be charities or other causes). You will also need to list the order of beneficiaries, in case something happens to the first person on the list. This is called a "pecking order."
- Executor: You will have to choose someone to be the executor of your will. This person is responsible for making sure everything goes according to your wishes after you die. They can be a trusted family member or friend.
- Debt: You will have to list how much you owe in debt so that your executor can manage those debts.
- Guardian: If you have minor children, you will need to select a guardian for them to ensure they are taken care of after you pass away.
- Trust: If you have minor children, or if there is a beneficiary who is not capable of handling money on his/her own, you will need to create a trust for them to ensure their assets are handled properly and safely until they turn 18 years old.
Where To Create A Will
There are many websites that offer will creation services. Here are some of the most common options:
- Rocket Lawyer: This website offers a simple and easy-to-use will creation service. It is free to create a will, and you can have it finalized in just a few minutes.
- LegalZoom: This website is one of the most popular online legal services providers. It offers a wide range of legal services, including will creation.
- Quicken WillMaker: This software program is offered by Nolo, one of the leading providers of self-help legal information. It is easy to use and allows you to create a will quickly and easily.
- Willing: This website offers a simple and user-friendly will creation service. It is free and quick to finalize in just a few minutes.
- Tomorrow: This is a free will-creating app with documents created by 52 lawyers from all over the country.
- Do Your Own Will: This offers a simple and free will creation service, plus you can appoint a power of attorney. It is easy to use and takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
- My Life Plan: This is a free online tool for creating your estate plan, including how you would like your assets to be distributed after death. You can also create an advanced directive (living will) and choose how you would like to be treated at the end of life.
- Free Will: This is a free website for creating your will in minutes, including how you would like your assets to be distributed after death. You can also create an advanced directive (living will) and choose how you would like to be treated at the end of life.
- LawDepot: If you need to create a simple and quick will, you can try their free version. It only takes 10 minutes to complete.
The Bottom Line
A will is an important document that allows you to dictate how your property and possessions are distributed after death. By creating a will online, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out through a simple and easy process.
Many websites offer will-creation services, so be sure to do your research before deciding on one. Remember to include all of the necessary details, such as beneficiaries, assets, and liabilities.
You may also want to appoint an executor for your will who is capable of carrying out your wishes and who will not be swayed by emotions.
Choosing an executor is one of the most important parts of creating a will, so make sure you have someone trustworthy in mind.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to create a will online?
Yes, it is safe to create a will online as long as you use a reputable website. Be sure to do your research before deciding on one. By using an online service, you can create a will quickly and easily that meets all of the necessary legal requirements.
2. Does the law honor a will created online?
Yes, the law will honor a will created online. That being said, it is important to make sure you use a reputable website and follow all of the necessary legal requirements for creating a valid will. In many states, wills are not required to be signed by witnesses or notarized in order for them to be valid. However, some states may have specific requirements, so be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency before finalizing your will.
3. Does creating a will online require a lawyer?
No, you do not need a lawyer to create a will online. However, if you have complex wishes or circumstances (such as multiple beneficiaries), it may be helpful to consult an attorney before finalizing your will. This can help ensure that all of the necessary legal requirements are met and that your wishes are clearly defined.
4. Does creating a will online cost money?
Many of the websites that offer will-creation services are free to use. However, some may charge a small fee for their services. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of each website before deciding on one. You do not want any hidden fees or surprises down the road.
5. How can I make sure my will is valid?
To make sure your will is valid, you should use a reputable website that offers online will-creation services which are safe and legal to use. Be sure to follow all of the necessary legal requirements for creating a valid will. This may vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency before finalizing your will. You may also want to consult an attorney about how best to create a valid will online, depending on your circumstances (such as complex wishes or beneficiaries).
