In case you were wondering, you don’t need a lawyer to make an online will, and they are just as legitimate as their counterparts. Besides, it’s neither expensive nor time-consuming to create an online will.
You can draft your will in less than two hours if you don’t have any serious issues that would necessitate consulting a lawyer.
Online wills are easy to make because they only cover the essentials. There are instructions and definitions for challenging terms in the templates provided.
When you fill out the forms, online attorneys will review and confirm whether your documents align with the law.
Here’s a quick guide on how to write a will online in less than two hours.
Name the Beneficiaries of Your Estate
Beneficiaries mainly include family members, but you can also name alternate beneficiaries such as friends, trusts, and organizations.
Indicate who is entitled to which assets by listing the names of all your heirs. Include details, such as how accounts will be divided or when a youngster should inherit property.
If two people with the same name are beneficiaries, find a way to specify who you are referring to. You must also select backup beneficiaries in case the first-level beneficiaries pass away.
Name the Guardians of Your Children
The guardian will be in charge of their essential needs and education. Ask that person if they will be your children’s guardian before naming them in your will.
You can also choose additional guardians in case the first one can’t fulfill their duties. While at it, go for a responsible adult, preferably one whose behavior you observed while raising their children.
Take into account the guardian’s age. If they are too young, they most likely are concentrating on developing their career. As a general rule of thumb, select a guardian who is not too young or too old.
Name Your Estate’s Executor
You may choose your spouse, sibling, or a dear friend. Some prefer to choose two executors. The bottom line is to choose an executor with integrity and sound judgment. A close friend or family member will do.
Banks can also act as executors, which you can resort to if you can’t find a reliable individual among your friends or family.
To take care of the event the first executor suffers a misfortune, it’s highly recommended that you designate a backup. If you don’t designate an executor, the court will select a willing relative or appoint an administrator to serve as executor.
State the Details of Your Funeral
Name the person in charge of your funeral arrangements. You can select a family member or delegate the task to the executor.
You could also include details such as whether you want to be buried or cremated, and if they cremate you, state whether you want the ashes to be disposed of or kept.
State whether you desire a memorial service or a funeral service. If you have money saved away for your burial, inform them how they can access it.
Informing your family of your burial and funeral wishes is crucial so they won’t be left wondering if your funeral was handled accordingly.
Name the Assets To Be Transferred
These include physical, financial and insurance assets. You don’t have to include everything you own. Only what you want to be transferred.
You can include the following assets in your will:
- Real estate and vehicles
- Stocks, bonds, and bank accounts
- Life and health insurance
- Patents and copyrights
- Valuable jewelry, furniture, or artwork
Give the executor instructions and copies of any supporting paperwork such as car ownership, title deeds, and insurance policies.
Keep Your Will in a Safe Place
Once you’ve completed filling in the form, you can print a copy and keep it in your house, bank, or another safe place.
If you want to change your will, you can make those changes and have your witnesses sign. After your death, the two documents can be interpreted together.
Alternatively, you can do away with the old will and write a new one. This option minimizes the chance of confusion when two wills are present.
Write Your Will In Two Hours or Less With an Online Maker
An online will maker is highly recommended if you can’t afford an attorney or just don’t want to do it the traditional way. It simplifies the process of handing down your property to your beneficiaries. You can pass away in peace knowing you didn’t leave your family fighting over who gets what.
With online wills, you don’t need to step out of your house. What’s even better is that you can get one done in less than two hours.
Let us know your experience developing one in the comments below.
