Making a Will is a Great Option, But Doing it Online Can Lead to Some Common Mistakes, so Let's Look at Just a Few

Schrader-Howell Funeral Home • March 12, 2023

If you are creating a will online, Schrader-Howell Funeral Home has a list of common mistakes made during this process, so let's take a look at just a few.

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Whether you're choosing traditional burial or cremation services in Plymouth Township, MI, creating a will can help with final requests and managing the estate. Having a plan is crucial, and online forms can be tempting because they are cheaper and simpler than other alternatives. However, common mistakes happen to make a will online, so we have gathered the top five here.


Only Making a Will


Depending on the size of the estate, there are multiple components to create a thorough plan, and one of the first mistakes individuals make is only creating a will. Even simple estates will include other documents like powers of attorney and living wills, and for some having a revocable living trust is also recommended. So if you are considering creating a will or helping someone make one, make sure you research what other documents need to be included, so you cover every aspect of your estate.


Not Having a Contingent Individuals Listed


While you may already have beneficiaries listed and a personal representative picked out, what would you do if something happened to one of them? Another common mistake is failing to have a secondary representative and not having other beneficiaries listed, so be sure to include this in the documentation.


Leaving Out Specific Assets


Once an individual passes away, their state will go to probate to ensure its properly closed. This means it's crucial to have all of your assets listed and how you want them to be distributed because if this is not specific and you leave any items out, the court will decide where the assets go and to whom.


Failing to Look at Other Issues Besides Asset Distribution


Ensuring your assets are distributed is just one part of the planning. one example includes if you have children, who will care for them? Or who will manage their finances? Don't simply stop at your estate and assets; consider any other issues that could arise that need to be addressed.


Now Following State Laws


The other common mistake is that for a will to be legally enforced, you need to follow state laws. There are applicable statutory requirements that need to be fulfilled; if they are not, your will may not be enforceable regardless of how much time or money you spend preparing it.


Exceptional Services and Compassionate Care


Creating a will is just one step in the process, and it's always recommended to work with a lawyer trained in estate planning to ensure that all documents are accounted for and completed correctly.


Having the proper support is also crucial, especially if you need to plan cremation services in Plymouth Township, MI. Whether it's for the estate or you have recently lost a loved one, our team is here to assist you. We are a locally trusted source for exceptional services and would love to support you through the process, so contact us today if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment.


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