Should You Create Your Will Online? Read Before Clicking “Download”

If you search online for “create a will,” you’ll find dozens of websites promising fast, cheap, even free estate planning documents. And yes, you can legally create a will online.

But here’s what most of those sites don’t explain: a poorly designed or improperly executed will can be worse for your family than having no will at all.

Before you rely on an online will, there are a few critical questions you need to ask.

Will an Online Will Keep Your Family Out of Court?

If your goal is to keep your family out of court when you die or become incapacitated, a will alone won’t do that. A will must go through probate -  a court-supervised process that can be slow, expensive, and public.

Online wills don’t explain how probate actually works or how assets move after death. They also don’t account for beneficiary designations, jointly owned property, or trusts -  all of which may override what your will says.

If you want to minimize court involvement, a will is only one small piece of a much larger plan.

Is the Will Properly Signed Under State Law?

Every state has strict rules about how a will must be signed to be legally valid. Miss a step — the wrong witnesses, improper notarization, or an execution error — and the court can invalidate the entire document.

If that happens, the law treats it as if you never made a will at all. A judge decides who’s in charge, and your assets pass according to state law -  not your wishes. Online services can’t ensure your will is executed correctly. That part is entirely on you.

Does Your Will Actually Work When It’s Needed?

Naming an executor sounds simple — until it isn’t. Online wills often fail to address backup executors, bond requirements, or state-specific rules that can disqualify the person you chose. If your executor can’t qualify, the court steps in and appoints someone else. That’s not a rare problem. It’s a common one.

Online wills aren’t “bad”, but they’re incomplete. They don’t consider your family dynamics, your assets, or how the law actually plays out after death.

We Can Help

Ready to get your own affairs in order? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. We will answer your questions, go over your options, and discuss our unique flat-fee pricing. Mention this article and we’ll waive the $450 session fee! BOOK HERE: https://calendly.com/marissapetilloestateplanning/peaceofmindplanningsession