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Do I Need an Attorney for a Will?

Epic Will Team Jul 13, 2021

The simplicity of an online Will platform is intriguing; I mean, who wouldn’t want to have a fully legal Will completed in the fraction of the time and cost that it would take with an attorney? However, it can be hard to know whether or not it’s even possible to take advantage of an online Will service based on your familial and financial circumstances. 

You want to have peace of mind knowing everything is being cared for when planning for your future and your family’s future. Your Will can help you address things such as your assets, Guardianship, Health Care Agents, Financial Agents, and more. You’re dealing with important life decisions here, so it’s essential to consider your situation before deciding to work with an attorney or an online Will platform like Epic Will. 

If you’re struggling to determine whether or not you need to work with an attorney to create your Will, read on. 

Online Will versus Attorney: What’s the difference?

An online Will platform offers a quick and easy way to ensure that all of your assets (yes, even the dog) are protected. After providing the required information, you can print, sign and notarize your documents to have a fully legal Will that can still be updated throughout the years. Using this method can save you the time and money often associated with working with an attorney, and can make plans for the future without having to leave your couch!

Benefits of an online Will platform:

  1. Quick and straightforward process
  2. Access, store, and share Will documents online
  3. Save time and protect your future now
  4. Affordable
  5. Not required to work with an attorney

Learn more about the key benefits of an online Will.

So, when do I need an attorney for a Will?

Partnering With an Attorney While an online Will platform is a great option for many, there are a few different scenarios in which it makes sense to get an attorney involved:

1. Complex financial situations

  • If you need help establishing a complicated asset protection trust, have a net worth of over 1 million dollars, are a business owner, or have other complex financial matters, you’ll need to work with an attorney.

2. Large estates or estates with property in multiple states

  • Some states have state-specific laws different from others. Most online Will platforms only accommodate one state-specific Will, so in the case where you have property or estates in more than one state, it’s better to consult an attorney.

3. Unequal division of assets between children

  • An attorney can help outline, mediate, and document your wishes in a case like this.

4. Disinheriting a spouse or child, or re-marriage

  • This type of situation could lead to complications that could be resolved with legal advice. While online Wills platforms are a great resource to help you complete your Will following your state’s specific laws, they are not attorneys and can not legally offer you legal advice for your specific situation.

Which Option is Best for Me?

If you have a simple and straightforward set of assets and a small estate, you can take advantage of an online Will platform today (and with Epic Will—in 5 minutes!). Online Wills are an excellent option for those who don’t need any attorney advice and are looking to save time and money. With an online Will, you can still determine things like appointing a legal Guardian and naming your Healthcare Power of Attorney, Financial Power of Attorney, and more. Just because you’re not working with an attorney doesn’t mean that you aren’t getting a complete and legally binding Will package. Also, online Will platforms are a great solution to ensure you’re protected in the time being while you’re in the process of communicating with a lawyer.

However, if you have a more complex familial or financial situation (children from other marriages, have property in multiple states, etc.) you will need to invest in an attorney to complete your estate planning. Please note, if you’ve been remarried, you can still use an online Will service as long as none of the four situations listed above apply to you.

While an attorney does cost more money and is a lengthier process, an attorney will provide legal advice specific to your situation to ensure that you are properly preparing for your future.

Let’s Recap

Often, creating an online Will is the easiest and most convenient way to get started with your Will today, so you have peace of mind knowing you're covered, while still being able to consult with your attorney later on. However, it may be in your best interest to consult an attorney if you are dealing with a more complicated situation.

If an online Will seems like the best option for you, start your Epic Will today.

What you can expect with Epic Will:

 

  • 100% online Will platform that lets you create your Will from the comfort of your own home.
  • Create a state-specific and legally binding Last Will and Testament, which includes a trust for children, an Advanced Directive/Living Will, as well as your Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney.
  • A quick and straightforward process with detailed instructions to guide you through the entire Will creation in under 5 minutes. 
  • After you share your Will with your representatives, you’ll have the ability to make free updates to your Will anytime you start a new chapter in your life.

Get started with Epic Will today

Here at Epic Will, we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to. We’ve created a quick and simple way to start preparing your Will online in as little as 5 minutes so you can protect your family, leave your legacy, and live with confidence knowing your final wishes are documented and legally binding.