If you are in the process of estate planning, you have likely thought intensely about how to create your will — after all, you want your assets distributed according to your wishes. The rise of digital solutions and artificial intelligence has introduced a slew of online will-making services that purport to offer cheap and convenient ways to secure your assets.
However, our estate attorneys at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C., have seen significant drawbacks for families and beneficiaries of online wills.
Are Online Wills Legally Sound?
Experienced estate attorneys in West Chester have had issues with the legal validity of online wills. Many online platforms claim that their documents are legally binding, but those documents may not always comply with your state’s specific requirements.
Each state handles wills differently — for example, how they must be signed and witnessed. If your online will fails to meet your state-specific laws, legal parties down the line could raise potential disputes and challenges for your desired beneficiaries.
Do Online Wills Address Complex Family Dynamics?
Artificial intelligence and online services have not yet evolved enough to address complex family dynamics and unique personal circumstances — online wills usually come in a one-size-fits-all format, which likely will not meet your specific needs.
Blended families, beneficiaries with special needs, or significant assets that require detailed distribution plans may require tailored and customized approaches, which generic online wills might not offer.
Can Online Wills Keep Up With Changing Laws?
As with all significant statutes, estate laws can change suddenly — you, therefore, need to make sure that your will can adapt to these changes. Online will-making services may not provide ongoing updates or notify you when changes in the law could affect your will, which can result in outdated or non-compliant documents — which can, in turn, lead to potential future legal issues.
Experienced lawyers know how to keep your will current and legally sound, providing you peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
How Reliable Are Online Will-Making Services?
The answer: “It depends.”
Some reputable platforms offer well-designed templates — but others provide subpar documents that fail to meet the relevant legal criteria. And there is no easy way to determine which is which.
Additionally, without the personalized advice that a professional estate lawyer would give, you might overlook specific legal nuances that could jeopardize the validity of your will.
What About Privacy and Security Concerns?
You should also consider privacy and security concerns with online will-making services — online will-making services typically ask for sensitive personal and financial information. If the provider lacks robust, modernized security measures, you could be putting your data at significant risk.
Is the Cost Really a Savings?
Finally, though the up-front lower costs of online will-creating services might seem appealing, the potential future costs that come with legal battles, disputes, and professional intervention often outweigh those savings. Especially if a court declares an online will invalid or inadequate, your beneficiaries could face expensive litigation to defend your assets.
Secure Your Future With the West Chester Estate Lawyers at Eckell Sparks
While online will-making services market themselves as easy and affordable options, using these services could cause significant legal, security, and financial trouble for your beneficiaries. However, if you consult with the experienced West Chester estate lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C.,you can ensure the legal integrity, thorough personalization, and security that you need for your professional estate planning process. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form. Our offices in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.