Advice for online wills
One industry seeing an uptick in the pandemic -- those that handle wills and end-of-life preparations.
Posted — UpdatedA will is daunting to think about, but it's a must-do.
5 On Your Side's Monica Laliberte explains the extra steps needed if you're doing them online.
"Online wills can be completed in an hour, for about $100 where it might cost you around $1000 if you were to go to a lawyer," said Ryan Felton with Consumer Reports.
Companies like LegalZoom and Nolo's Quicken Will Maker offer basic online wills starting around $89.
Know, many DIY legal docs are one size fits all, and not surprisingly don't actually fit everyone.
In some cases, ambiguity could lead to a court battle to settle the estate.
Still, some kind of will may be better than nothing.
"Now, if you die without a will, state laws will determine who gets what and where your kids will go. If you choose to make a will online, you will eventually need witnesses, and depending on your state, a notary public," said Felton.
Once completed, be sure to let those named in it, know where to find the document.
Beyond a will, you can find other end-of-life documents online, including an advance directive, which spells out the medical care you want.
Another form appoints a health care proxy, a person you choose to make medical decisions if you can't speak for yourself.
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