How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer & Put Your Wishes into Writing
How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer
Writing a valid Will is a critical element of preparing for the future as it will make the mourning process easier for your family members and other loved ones. Additionally, you will gain peace of mind knowing that your Estate is in safe hands.
The term “Estate” might lead you to think of huge stocks, pricey possessions, and a high net worth. However, your Estate simply includes anything you own. It could be residential property, personal possessions, land, a car, a life insurance policy, or simply the cash in your checking account. This means that everyone, regardless of wealth or income, needs a properly-drafted Will.
If you do not make your final wishes clear in a Will, then your Estate will undergo the probate process and your state’s laws will take precedence. The downside of this is that the court decision may not favor your family’s needs or the arrangements you would have wanted.
Creating a Will is a simple process. Unless you have a complex Estate, you likely will not need to set aside the time or money to visit an Estate Planning lawyer. The advent of online Will services has made it easier than ever before to create a legally-binding Will in accordance with state laws. Below, we outline the basic steps involved in creating a simple Will that takes into consideration your final wishes.
Choosing the Right Resource to Write Your Will
If you are looking for a reliable way to create a legally-binding online Will, you can use an online platform like GoWillTrust. We provide budget-friendly Estate Planning document preparation services nationwide.
Before You Start Your Will
The process of creating your own Will can be very simple when you have all of your documents together and know exactly what you want your Will to say. If you don’t know what you want to state in your Will, GoWillTrust.com can help you get started. Here are a few items you should think about before starting the process of creating your Will.
Create a List of Your Assets
Name a Beneficiary and Executor of Your Will
Beneficiaries will inherit your property. They may be your children, surviving spouse, or a close friend. You may choose to have a named beneficiary who will inherit your financial instruments and a residuary beneficiary to inherit what is left of your assets after distributing specific gifts.
Appoint a Guardian for Your Minor Children
Print and Sign Your Will in Front of Witnesses
Store Your Will Safely
Can You Make a Will Without a Lawyer?
Yes, it is legal to draft your own Will. You can do it yourself if you have a simple Estate Plan. You don’t have to spend lots of money going to a law firm to find a lawyer to help you draft a Will.
With this in mind, it’s still a good idea to get help from a professional, even if it’s simply through an online Will maker service. GoWillTrust helps customers create a Will at an affordable price without the hassle or expense of going to an Estate attorney.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Living Will?
A Living Will is necessary to appoint someone to take care of your medical needs when you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. This document is very different from a Last Will and Testament but both documents should be part of your Estate Plan.
How to Make a Will Legally Binding
The following are factors that make a Will legally binding in most U.S. states:
- It must be in writing.
- It must have a valid signature and date.
- Under most states’ requirements, a Will is legally valid if two witnesses have signed. The witnesses must be present during the signing of the Will.
- The testator (the person making the Will) must be at least 18 years of age.
- The testator must be sane and able to comprehend the process.
Unlike many online Estate Planning services, GoWillTrust prepares documents that have been developed by professional attorneys in Estate Planning.
Who Can Make a Will for You?
Writing a valid Will with GoWillTrust is easy and affordable. Start now! Browse our online services or reach out to our friendly customer service team to get started with your Estate Planning documents.