Online DIY Legal Documents

Online programs that offer Wills and other documents seem very convenient; they are often fast, inexpensive, and can be done in your pajamas, unlike getting your Will done by a Durham estate planning attorney. While getting your estate plan done at Hopler, Wilms, & Hanna requires you to probably put on actual clothes, the document you get in the long run is going to be much better.

Consumer Reports checked out a few legal sites that help people create Wills and other legal documents, and their conclusion is the same as lawyers everywhere: These sites are no match for meeting with an actual attorney. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/09/legal-diy-websites-are-no-match-for-a-pro/index.htm

But why not?

Flexibility

Online Will creation websites are often times not flexible enough. They are designed to create a very standard document, perhaps just leaving everything to one’s spouse. It becomes harder to protect assets with trusts or divide assets up differently than how the program does it. On the flip side, other programs allow too much flexibility. There may be opportunities to add features that contradict each other which could easily lead to conflicts or an extension of the probate process.

Outdated or not up to NC Standards

Estate laws across the country can vary state by state and each state does update their legislation as needed. North Carolina is no different, but legal websites might not cater to specific local laws or may not be aware of a change in those laws. Durham estate planning attorneys, however, have experience with the North Carolina legal system and stay up to date with changes that effect estate laws. These online DIY Wills are designed to meet general estate planning needs, which means they may be missing out on issues specific to North Carolina.

Conclusion?

While meeting with an estate attorney to draft your Will and other estate planning documents may seem like a hassle and expensive short term, the long term benefits are very clear. If you want a valid Will that meets North Carolina standards, you can schedule a free estate planning consult with our Durham attorneys.