C19 UPDATE: Beware the Rush to Make Your Own Will Online

Estate Planning For Life's Stages

With COVID-19 impacting more and more Americans, individuals across the country are scrambling to set up wills and end-of-life directives.

Topic: Estate Planning, News, Probate

With COVID-19 affecting more and more Americans, people across the country are scrambling to set up wills and end-of-life directives. Over the last two weeks, online will companies are

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reporting an explosion in users, according to the article, “Coronavirus Pandemic Triggers Rush by Americans to Make Online Wills,” published by CNBC.com. Ozarks Legacy Law has offices in Republic and Aurora that are open during the Missouri Stay At Home Order and continuing to serve clients during this time of change and uncertainty. Book a call today at davidpaynelaw.com to set up your family’s Planning Session and see why David’s estate plans are different from an online document source.

There is a better way to complete your estate plan than filling out forms online. Isn’t something as important your family’s future and well-being worth doing RIGHT? As online wills grow in popularity, I continue to caution against using them, for several reasons. But still many wonder if online wills are valid in Missouri?

Will the documents be legally valid? Since most of these do-it-yourself wills are created and executed without any oversight from an attorney, a larger number of wills may not be executed in compliance with the proper will formalities, and that could end up invalidating the will.
There is a better way! David can make sure the purpose of your plan gets fulfilled and that you and your family are taken care of by a team of client-focused professionals.
Do you fully understand the questions and consequences of your answers? There are many nuances in estate planning, as well as a good bit of legal jargon. Confusion over the question or the consequences of a decision can result in costly mistakes … and could even mean your will won’t hold up to a challenge in court.
What about asset protection? There is more to estate planning than just giving your stuff away after you die. How you transfer ownership of your assets can mean the difference between a protected inheritance and legacy for many generations … or the squandering or loss of a person’s life’s work within a few years … or months … after they pass away.
Is there any planning for long-term care? It’s estimated that more than half of people turning age 65 who will need some type of long-term care services in their lifetimes. Proper estate planning should balance the possibility that you will need assistance paying for nursing home care (Medicaid), with other estate planning goals. Mistakes in this area could disqualify you from receiving assistance should you need it.
Where are you going to find witnesses and a notary during the stay has home order? When using David’s office these worries and many more are alleviated.

As COVID-19 keeps people home, meeting with a lawyer to create a will could not be easier. In Missouri, a lawyer’s services have been deemed “essential,” even during stay-at-home orders. We are doing everything we can to make our services as easy and convenient for you as possible, including meeting over telephone, online video services and other innovative ways to ensure you get the planning you need while complying with all safety measures.

Are you still wondering if online wills are valid in Missouri?