Can I DIY my will?
This is a question that I get a ton, so I thought it was a good topic for a blog and video (linked below). I like to think about this topic in three ways:
Can you DIY your will?
Should you DIY your will?
Will you DIY your will?
Can you? Well, of course you can. In Maryland, even holographic (handwritten) wills are valid so long as they meet the requirements for a valid will and are witnessed appropriately. There are also some online programs available that advertise that they walk you through drafting a valid will.
The more helpful question is, should you? I look at four big considerations here: 1) How much will it COST you?, 2) How much TIME will it take?, 3) Will you get ENJOYMENT from the process?, and 4) Will you be satisfied with the QUALITY of the result?
Check out the video for a more in depth look at each of these, but here is my quick summary: you should not assume that using an online program and just selecting the default choices will be adequate. Most, if not all, families have at least one issue that requires a complex analysis (minor children, real estate, retirement assets, a blended family, etc.) While you technically could do the necessary learning to be in a position to make competent decisions about these things without an attorney, it would take a LOT of time. More time than would ever, in a million years, make sense for drafting one will.
Last, assuming that you are reading this blog post because you haven’t yet drafted your will, I think it’s important to consider one last question: will you draft your will or will it linger undone? As Pablo Picasso once said, “Only leave until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” If there are barriers keeping you from taking care of your legacy plan, those need to be addressed because the stakes are high. If you’re interested in discussing more, I’d be happy to help. Give me a call at 667-200-4677 or make an appointment using this link https://acornlawllc.as.me/?appointmentType=31237116.
