Filling out a will online is convenient, especially during the holidays when life gets busy. Search for a simple template, click a link, type in a few answers, and feel like you checked estate planning off your list in under thirty minutes.
We see this all the time at Bellomo and Associates. People mean well. They truly want to put something in place for their family. But that quick, do-it-yourself approach often creates more stress and heartache for loved ones later.
When Good Intentions Go Wrong
A family once shared a story that still makes us wince. Their father downloaded a free template he found after watching a YouTube video. He filled it out, printed it, and tucked it neatly in a folder, feeling proud that he finally handled his will.
When he passed, the family learned the document was not valid in Pennsylvania. The witnessing requirements were wrong, the language did not meet state standards, and parts of the will simply could not be followed legally.
What he thought would protect his children sent them straight into a contested probate battle. Instead of relief, they faced delay, conflict, and unnecessary legal fees.
Another woman typed her will at the kitchen table, printed it, and signed it alone. She did not know her state required two witnesses. Without them, her will was rejected completely. Her estate followed intestacy laws rather than her wishes, and the people she intended to care for received nothing. One simple conversation could have changed everything.
Why DIY Wills Fail
DIY wills tend to fall apart for predictable reasons.
- State laws vary, and a template that works in one state may be useless in another
- Missing or incorrect signatures can invalidate a will instantly
- Templates cannot account for blended families, estranged relatives, special needs, or trusts
- Most families do not actually have uncomplicated situations
- Templates cannot ask questions, clarify wishes, or catch contradictions
What looks straightforward on a screen often becomes confusing in real life. Families are left trying to interpret unclear instructions at a time when emotions are already high.
Your Will Should Not Be Guesswork
Think of it this way. You would not perform your own surgery. You would not repair your own airplane. You probably would not represent yourself in court. Writing your own will belongs in that same category.
Saving a little money today can lead to thousands of dollars in legal fees later. A properly drafted will is not just paperwork. It is peace of mind. It is clarity. It is love in written form for the people who matter most.
Get Peace of Mind, Not Paperwork
If you want to be sure the will to actually work the way you intend, we would love to help guide you. Register for a Workshop
