How to Make a Legal Will Without Visiting an Attorney

Many people hesitate to visit an attorney to make a will or an estate plan, because of cost, inconvenience or perceived complications. However, you may not be aware of the options that are currently available to make a will, negating the need to visit an attorney. In many states, you can make a legal will by drafting a handwritten or holographic will, purchasing a blank will form, purchasing a will from a legal forms website, or visiting a virtual law firm on the Internet.Difficulty: ModerateInstructions1Create a holographic will. A holographic will is a will that is entirely handwritten. Sometimes, people who have a very limited amount of time to create a will, take advantage of this option. Cases exist, in which holographic wills have been scribbled on various objects, by people facing imminent death. Others create holographic wills because of the cost incurred in this process. However, some states do not recognize holographic wills as valid. Legalcorner.net has a full listing of states that do and do not accept holographic wills (see References). Since the laws of each state can change at any time, investigate your state's laws prior to executing a holographic will.2Purchase and complete a fill in the blank form. You can buy these forms inexpensively at various office supply stores. When using a fill in the blank form, it is important to know your state's requirements for properly executing the will. State laws differ in the requirements regarding the signature of witnesses, notarization, etc. However, these forms are designed as "one size fits all." If you have a complicated situation, you may need a more individualized will than these forms can provide. Additionally, these forms may omit important tax planning provisions or other stipulations that may be relevant to your situation.3Buy a will from a legal forms website. These websites ask you to complete a questionnaire, and the provisions contained in your legal document are based on your answers to the questionnaire. The benefits of these services are convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, this will type is not customized to your individual circumstances. The documents may lack important provisions that will simplify the probate process for your family. Additionally, these websites are not operated or backed by licensed attorneys. Therefore, there is no attorney-client relationship formed, and there is no confidentiality requirement. These services are not required to abide by the same rules of legal ethics that are required of licensed attorneys.4Purchase a will from a virtual law firm. A virtual law firm is a secure website, operated by a licensed attorney. Through the website, you can buy a variety of legal documents, individually tailored to your specific circumstances, and coupled with legal advice regarding the documents you purchase. Like a legal forms service, a virtual law firm can offer convenient services, since you can do everything over the Internet. A virtual law firm is also cost-effective for many people. Many virtual law firms offer fixed-priced services, and list prices directly on the website, to view prior to your purchase. An additional advantage is that a licensed attorney drafts your customized legal documents. Unlike a legal forms website, the attorney is bound by the rules of legal ethics of your state. Therefore, an attorney-client relationship is formed, and your documents are protected by the attorney-client privilege.