What Kind of Estate Planning Do You Need?

Yes, provided they meet your state's statutory requirements for a valid execution. An online will service simply generates the document; the legal validity comes from how you sign and execute it according to local law.

Yes. In almost all U.S. states, a formal written will requires at least two disinterested witnesses (people who are over 18 and inherit nothing from the will) to watch you sign it and sign it themselves in your presence.

Usually no, but practically yes. A notary is generally not required to make a will legal. However, adding a self-proving affidavit—which does require a notary—allows the court to accept the will during probate without needing to track down your witnesses years later to verify their signatures.

A will serves several critical legal functions: 

• Asset Distribution: You decide who gets your property, rather than state intestate law deciding for you. 
• Guardian Nomination: It is the primary legal mechanism to nominate guardians for minor children. 
• Executor Selection: You choose the trusted person or institution to settle your estate and handle legal affairs. 
• Avoiding Disputes: It minimizes family friction by making your explicit wishes legally clear.

You will be able to make changes to the will you created on EstatePlanning.com for 12-months. Alternatively, you can use the directory to connect with an attorney near you to help you make edits.

Your information is always safe with us. All data is fully encrypted and protected under the highest security standards, so you can focus on what matters most: your family's future, with total confidence.

Grants an agent legal authority to handle financial and administrative decisions on your behalf. Learn more here. 

Names a designated healthcare proxy to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate.

Grants designated individuals access to your protected health information.

Outlines your specific preferences for end-of-life care and life-sustaining procedures.

A will is a legal document that directs how your assets will be distributed after your death. Although the process varies by state, a will must go through probate court before assets are transferred. In contrast, a trust allows a trustee to manage assets during your lifetime, including periods of incapacity, and distribute them after your death. A properly funded trust avoids probate and court control because the trustee follows the instructions set out in the trust document. Learn more about the benefits of a trust here.

Working with an estate planning attorney prevents costly mistakes, such as mismanaging tax liabilities, omitting loved ones, or failing to update documents after major life changes. An attorney creates a customized plan tailored to your assets, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, and provides objective guidance to clearly protect your family's financial future. Learn more here.