The Pros and Cons of Creating a Will on Your Own

The Pros and Cons of Creating a Will on Your Own

There’s no shortage of tools online that can help you create your own last will and testament, typically through downloadable forms and templates. However, before you decide to create a will yourself, you should be aware of the pros and cons of doing so.

The benefits of a do-it-yourself will

The single-biggest advantage to creating your own last will and testament is the money it could save you. Additionally, by using online resources, you can likely complete your will in a relatively short amount of time.

The time and money savings make DIY wills attractive options for people who have smaller estates, younger people and those who do not have any minor children.

The downsides of a do-it-yourself will

There are plenty of drawbacks to creating a will by yourself. The first is the lack of professional experience you would receive compared to if you worked with an estate planning attorney. The average person does not have the background or training to understand the more complex aspects of estate planning — especially when it comes to ensuring a will is valid and won’t be challenged in court.

Additionally, passing your estate through probate and distributing estate assets could take longer if it turns out your will was not created or administered properly. And, some DIY will websites might not take your state’s laws into consideration.

The choice of how you create your will is yours alone. If you have a small and simple estate, creating your own will is certainly a realistic and attractive option. But in most cases, it’s highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your will completely covers all your wishes and concerns.

To learn more about creating a will in Florida, consult a dedicated Tampa estate planning lawyer with BaumannKangas Estate Law.