Avoid Risks of DIY Wills

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: Learn how to avoid the hidden risks of DIY wills and protect your estate. Discover expert tips for effective estate planning today. Writing your will online might seem like the easy, affordable solution. With just a few clicks and a credit card, you can “check estate planning off the list.” But here’s the truth: a DIY will can cost your family far more than you save today. During Make-a-Will Month , it’s essential to understand that estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Especially in retirement, with more assets and life complexities in play, a basic will template may not protect what matters most. What Is a DIY Will? A DIY will is typically created using: Online will-making websites Printable templates Fill-in-the-blank software Handwritten (holographic) wills in some states These methods are meant to be quick and inexpensive—but they often fail to account for the legal, financial, and family-specific nuances of a real estate plan. The 5 Most Common Risks of DIY Wills 1. State Laws Vary—And Change Often Each state has its own rules for: Witnessing requirements Who can serve as executor Property distribution laws What’s valid in one state may be invalid in another. Most DIY services don’t account for these details. 2. Outdated or Incomplete Language A generic template may not cover: Digital assets (cryptocurrency, online accounts, and subscriptions)—a 2024 Pew Research survey found more than 80% of U.S. adults have digital assets they've never addressed in estate planning Retirement accounts and annuities Real estate in other states Disinheritance clauses Missing or unclear language can lead to court challenges. 3. Beneficiary Conflicts Your will does not override: Life insurance policies annuities IRAs or 401(k)s If your DIY will says one thing and your account paperwork says another, your will is ignored. 4. Failure to Fund a Trust Many people create a DIY trust—then forget to move assets into it. Without proper funding, the trust does nothing , and your estate may still go through probate. 5. Unintended Heirs and Family Disputes If your will is vague or improperly executed, it may be contested or thrown out—leaving your assets to be distributed according to state law, not your wishes. Real-Life Scenario: The Expensive DIY Mistake Barbara used an online template