Beware of Will Kits

March 2018 – Beware of Will kits. They may look easy, free or inexpensive, but can cause a significant problems and future expenses. Many provide opportunities for misinterpretation that can make them completely or partially invalid, and they can miss key elements that can result in your assets tied up in court or not distributed as intended. Will kits also do not address a fundamental requirement being that for a will to be valid, you must have mental capacity.  A lawyer will exercise due diligence and ensure you have the capacity to execute the will so it cannot be challenged later. Will kits also do not address issues such as providing for a disabled or spendthrift child, minimizing income tax and probate fees, protecting your children’s inheritances in case of divorce, passing along a family cottage or supporting charities.