Are Online Wills Reliable and Enforceable?

Online wills are reliable and enforceable provided they comply with current state estate laws regarding valid wills. All states have very specific guidelines when it comes to wills. These documents give detailed instructions on how individuals wish for their belongings to be distributed when they pass away. If a will is deemed invalid, the testator’s property is distributed according to their state’s laws of intestate succession.

There are several online services that take the guesswork out of state laws and fine-print details that could cause a will to be contested. These services are quick and easy to use and require only a few minutes of time if an individual has already decided on benefactors and property distribution.

The biggest benefit of creating a will online is cost. For seniors on a budget, the average cost of creating a will online is $20 to $100. In comparison, an attorney may charge from $100 to $1,000 for the same service, depending on the state and the complexity of the property distribution.

The second benefit is the ease of use. Sites such as Nolo.com, Legalzoom and BuildaWill, make it possible to create a will from any computer by answering a series of questions. Once complete, it’s easy to print the document and have it signed and notarized so that it’s legal and binding.

Online will services also tend to include additional documents, such as financial powers of attorney designations, health powers of attorney and living will directives, so it’s possible to take care of additional estate needs in a single location.

Wills are regulated by a state’s probate court. Each state has its own set of rules and requirements for a will to be valid. Some of the standard criteria for enforceable wills include:

• An individual must intend for the will to be their last will and testament that’s used to dispose of property when they die.
• Most states require the testator to be 18 years of age and of sound mind. This age may vary. For example, in Georgia, the testator age is 14.
• The will must be created voluntarily, and the testator mustn’t be tricked or influenced into making the will.
• A valid will must be printed, signed and dated in front of witnesses who are neutral parties. The beneficiaries can’t be listed as witnesses.

To learn more about enforceable wills, contact your state’s probate court.

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