In today’s digital age, creating a will has become more accessible. Individuals can create and update their wills from home with online legal document services. They can also securely store their documents. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we understand the importance of having a well-crafted will to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure your final wishes are respected.
Why Create a Will Online?
Before diving into the specifics of creating a will online, it is essential to understand the benefits of choosing this method over traditional will-creation processes. Some of the primary advantages of creating a will online include:
- Convenient: Online will creation allows you to draft, edit, and finalize your will from anywhere, anytime, without needing in-person meetings or extensive travel.
- Cost-effective: Creating a will online is often more affordable than hiring an attorney to draft the document from scratch. Additionally, many online legal document services offer competitive pricing and customizable templates to fit your unique needs and budget.
- Time-saving: With online will creation, you can complete the process at your own pace without requiring lengthy consultations or communication with an attorney’s support.
- Secure storage: Many online will creation platforms offer secure digital storage for your completed will. This keeps it safe and easily accessible for updates.
Creating a will online offers benefits, but ensure it’s legally valid and reflects your wishes. Pay close attention to details.
Steps to Create a Will Online
- Choose a reputable online will creation platform: Research different online legal document services. Compare platforms to find reliable, secure, and user-friendly will creation tools. Look for services that provide clear instructions, customizable templates, and ongoing support.
- Gather necessary information: Before beginning the online will creation process, collect all relevant information about your assets, beneficiaries, and final wishes. This may include:
- A list of your physical and digital assets, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- The names and contact information of your desired beneficiaries
- Any specific bequests or distributions you wish to make
- The names and contact information of your chosen executor and alternate executors
- Guardianship preferences for minor children or dependent adults
- Create an account and select a will template: Once you have chosen an online will creation platform, create a secure account and select a template that best fits your needs. Additionally, most platforms offer a variety of templates to accommodate different family structures, asset types, and distribution preferences.
- Customize your will: Using the online platform’s tools and prompts, begin customizing your will to reflect your unique circumstances and wishes. Be sure to:
- Identify yourself and your beneficiaries
- Specify the distribution of your assets, such as specific bequests or charitable donations
- Name an executor and alternate executors to manage the administration of your estate
- Designate guardians for minor children or dependent adults, if applicable
- Include any additional instructions or preferences, such as funeral arrangements or pet care provisions
- Review and edit your will: Carefully review your completed will for accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Make any necessary edits or adjustments to ensure the document comprehensively reflects your final wishes.
- Sign and witness your will: To make your online will legally valid, you must sign the document with witnesses who meet your state’s requirements. Most states require at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your will. Some online will creation platforms offer e-signature and remote witnessing options, while others require traditional in-person signing and witnessing.
- Store your will securely: After your will is signed and witnessed, store it securely in a fireproof safe or deposit box. Give copies to your executor and relevant parties, and keep a digital version for easy access and updates.
Considerations for Digital Inheritance
When creating a will, consider your digital assets and online presence, along with traditional physical assets. Digital inheritance includes transferring online accounts, social media profiles, and intellectual property to your beneficiaries after your death. When making your online will, ensure you:
- Identify your digital assets: Create a comprehensive list that includes email accounts, social media profiles, online banking and investment accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and any websites or blogs you own.
- Provide access information: Include usernames, passwords, and other relevant access information for your digital assets in a secure, encrypted document or password manager. Ensure that your executor and designated beneficiaries have the information required to access and manage these assets according to your wishes.
- Specify distribution preferences: Clearly outline your preferences for distributing or managing your digital assets.
- Consider legal and platform-specific requirements: Be aware of any legal restrictions or platform-specific policies that may impact the transfer of your digital assets. Some online platforms have tools and procedures for designating legacy contacts or managing account access after a user’s passing.
By including digital inheritance in your will, you ensure your online presence and assets are managed according to your wishes. This prevents loved ones from facing the challenges of accessing and managing their online accounts.
Updating Your Online Will
As your life circumstances change, it is crucial to periodically review and update your online will to ensure that it continues to reflect your current wishes and asset distribution preferences. Some everyday life events that may necessitate an update to your will include:
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Acquisition or sale of significant assets
- Changes in beneficiary relationships or preferences
- Relocation to a new state with different legal requirements
Most online will creation platforms offer easy-to-use tools for updating and amending your existing will. Keeping your will current and comprehensive gives you peace of mind. It ensures your final wishes will be respected and fulfilled.
At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, our experienced Austin Wills and Trust attorneys are well-versed in the legal requirements and best practices for digital will creation and can provide tailored guidance to fit your unique needs and circumstances. If you have questions about creating a will online or need assistance with any aspect of your digital legacy planning, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (512) 277-3166 or through our online form. We are here to give you legal advice, help you secure your future, and provide for your loved ones with confidence and peace of mind. Check out our success stories to have the confidence to trust us.