Create an Online Will

No one likes to sit down at a table and contemplate his own mortality, especially when his assets are divided according to complex legal jargon that no one without a law degree could ever fully understand. This is why, with the assistance of legal professionals, many Web sites have made it possible for you to create a will online. This might not seem like the most "official" way to get your affairs in order, but for some, it's much easier than going through an attorney.

The Benefits

There are several benefits to creating a will online, starting with simplicity. Many online services, such as those at AllLaw.com, allow you to "plug in" information based on prompts given by the system. This eliminates much of the confusion created by Will & Testament kits you can find at the book store or trying to do it on your own.

Furthermore, when you create a will online, you preserve the document forever. Papers can be lost, stolen, burned, misplaced and otherwise damaged, while online documents exist in perpetuity. As long as you find a safe storage location for your will, someone will be able to find it, and you don't have to worry about dispersing copies to several people.

It is also considerably less expensive to create a will online. Attorneys charge upwards of $100 per hour for their services, which can really add up if you have lots of information to include in your will. Some online resources are free, while others charge a nominal fee, but you won't spend nearly as much in the creation process.

The Drawbacks

Unfortunately, creating a will online is not all sunshine and roses. The law has not yet caught up with technology, and when you base your personal affairs in the hands of the Internet, you might cause problems for your beneficiaries. Wills are contested on a regular basis without such factors as Web-generated templates, and some will claim that wills can easily be forged online.

You will also find that the Internet is no substitute for legal counsel. It can't interact with you or intuit your personal situation. If you have complicated assets to disperse, or if you aren't Web-savvy at all, it might prove too complicated to navigate.

The Process

There are several places to create a will online, so be sure to research each of them fully. Some are legitimate resources from qualified professionals, while others are cleverly designed scams by people who just want your money. I recommend going with a trusted resource such as AllLaw.com, Nolo or Legal Zoom.

Once you find the Web site you want to use to create a will online, you'll need to follow the instructions explicitly. Some are entirely Web-based, and take you through the process step-by-step as you enter important information. After you complete it, a professional will look it over, suggest necessary changes, and finalize the document for you. With others, you will have to rely on the technology entirely, which leaves a narrow margin for error.