On the surface, will creation may seem like a simple process. That’s why many people in Florida wonder if they can’t just write their own wills, thereby saving money on legal costs. While there are resources available that can help you create your own estate planning documents, doing so may end up costing your family and your estate more than just money. The Balance explains some of the reasons why you might want to think twice before writing your own will.
It’s tough to get a grasp on all relevant laws
While there are federal laws governing estate planning, there are also state laws that must be adhered to. These laws can determine everything from how a will is determined to be valid to tax issues. If you fail to comply with any of these laws, your will may be voided. It’s virtually impossible for the average person to have a good grasp of all the laws in their locality, which is why having an attorney’s help is so important.
Your estate plan may be unique
If you have a lot of assets, such as multiple properties, chances are you won’t be served by the boilerplate DIY wills found online. For instance, if you have minor children and you plan on leaving them your home, you should know they can’t retain ownership until they reach age 18. This entails naming a person to oversee your estate until your child comes of age, which may be too difficult a process for a standard online will. Of course, this is just one of the many circumstances that can complicate the estate planning process.
DIY comes with a disclaimer
Most of the DIY estate resources explicitly state that using them is not a substitute for sound legal advice. This is because there is a very real possibility that the document you create may be found invalid, which would mean decisions about your estate would be left up to the court. There is no substitute for quality legal guidance, especially when it comes to something as serious as creating an estate plan.
