In the age of high speed internet, it’s not a surprise when more things go digital. That includes legal documents, like will. And with the law regarding how wills must be signed changing, there’s a good chance that there will be a lot of questions about these documents. According to recent law changes, wills can now be signed electronically on a tablet or phone. This makes it easier to validate a will, but the chance for making mistakes or validating something that is incorrect can go way up.
These changes have already occurred in Arizona, Indiana, Nevada, and Florida, and there’s a good chance that other states (including California) will be adopting these changes in the future. As such, really understanding whether or not you should have an electronic will created is important.
The Benefits
There are certainly benefits to having an electronic will. Creating legal documents online is easier, faster, and cheaper than ever before. This can help more people to create these legal protections so that their estates can be distributed in the manner that they best see fit, helping seniors to achieve their goals even after they have passed away.
The Drawbacks
But there are also negatives to having a will created online. As mentioned above, the chances of having an error become an official part of a will can increase dramatically. Also, nullifying or changing a will can be more complicated. With a paper will, a nullified version can simply be put through the shredder and the new version can be locked away in a safety deposit box. Because of the permanent nature of documents on the web, there’s always a chance that older versions of will could be hanging around. This could create confusion when it comes time to figure out which version of the will is the most up to date and legally relevant.
Ultimately, the utility of an electronic will is a question best answered by an attorney. Although there are both positives and negatives to having an electronic will, an attorney familiar with your state’s laws that govern these documents is essential if you’re going to get the most out of them. Contact an elder attorney that you know and trust for more information on whether or not this type of document is best for you and your family’s needs. If you’re not sure where to start in your community, a quick online search can give you a few names to get in touch with. Your county’s Better Business Bureau can also help you to begin looking for a top quality elder attorney.
There are a lot of things to consider when caring for an older loved one. Legal issues and care issues are two very different things, but both are necessary if your loved one is going to get the most out of their senior years. Things like wills, power of attorney, and advance directives are not pleasant to think about, but they are components of a well-rounded senior care experience.
We can help you in our own little way. Senior care is complex and can be difficult to navigate, but our trained professionals are experts in the field. We can help provide guidance for you and your family as you walk this road, helping to ensure that you are pointed in the right direction.
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