It’s no doubt that the global pandemic has compelled us to rethink our plans and make last-minute decisions. For seniors, this might mean writing a will, especially for those who own real estate. Contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t need to be wealthy to write a will. You don’t have to leave your home, either, especially at such dire times when there’s a risk of infection. This is where writing an online will comes in handy. If you do some quick research, you’ll probably find countless options to choose from, but how do you go about choosing the right writing company online? Read on to find out.
Cost
Creating a will from the comfort of your own home can cost little to no money, but that doesn’t mean that you should spend none in the process. Some companies provide you with will drafts and a lawyer. They typically cost a lot more but can be a cheaper option than hiring your own attorney, especially if you’re in a hurry. So, if you have a complex estate, you should always hire an attorney rather than depend on online drafts, even if you’re planning to write a simple will.
Notary Services
In most cases, you’re going to need witnesses to seal the deal. When looking for the right online will writing company, always opt for a service that makes remote notarization easier; otherwise, writing an online will would just be counterproductive. With that being said, you can print your will and sign it at your lawyer’s office. Your attorney should be able to provide you with a notary public. If the service you choose provides a notary, make sure to check if the business is licensed to do so and that the signatures provided are legitimate.
Time-Consumption
When browsing through will writing companies, always choose the least time-consuming application processes. It usually takes about 15 minutes to write a draft online, and depending on the website, you can get it processed quickly and shortly afterward. This is a much better choice for those who are terminally ill and are unable to write a will in person.
Drafted Estate Plans
If you’re in a hurry and you want to skim through your options, look for a will service that offers you drafted solid estate plans. This will help you avoid probate with minimal costs. In some cases, you’ll want to have both a will and a trust if you have many assets that you want to be distributed among several family members. The ideal online service, in this case, will also help you include a trust, which will allow a trusted friend or family member to handle assets for your chosen beneficiaries.
To avoid having your assets from going through probate, consider finding a will writing service online, especially if you’re terminally ill and find it difficult to write a will in person. The cost varies, and some government-based services are offered for free in some cases. With that in mind, make sure that you consult your attorney before having witnesses sign your will to make sure that all your assets are distributed just how you want them to.