I never pictured myself handling something as crucial as estate planning entirely online, but creating an online will in Florida turned out to be one of my smartest moves. It fit my hectic schedule, it catered to my complex asset portfolio, and it put me at ease that my wishes are properly documented. I want to share the five key reasons I made this decision, in hopes it might spark a little inspiration for you too.
5 Reasons I Embraced A Florida eWill
1. Remote Convenience
Scheduling in-person meetings isn’t always easy, especially if you’re juggling a business or traveling frequently. With Florida’s 2020 authorization of electronic wills (Trust & Will), I was able to complete my will from my home office. The process involved a secure video conference and electronic signatures, and everything was stored electronically by a qualified custodian. I didn’t have to drive anywhere or shuffle my day around for a notary visit.
2. Cost-Effective Approach
I had braced myself for a hefty lawyer fee, but the cost of creating an online will in Florida can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on complexity (Trust & Will). I have a fair amount of assets, yet the digital route helped me allocate funds to more pressing matters, such as additional estate planning strategies. If you have major liquidity events or multiple properties, it’s still worth considering attorneys for wills to verify everything is airtight.
3. Enhanced Security Measures
I initially worried about fraud or data breaches. However, Florida’s law mandates thorough identity checks for the testator and witnesses, plus a certified online notary to oversee the signing (Upchurch Law). Their platform recorded the entire process, verifying we were all who we said we were, and ensuring nobody was coerced. This gave me peace of mind that my final wishes weren’t left vulnerable.
4. Seamless Witness And Notary
Traditional wills in Florida require two witnesses to sign in your physical presence, which can be tough to coordinate if you or your loved ones have busy schedules. With the eWill approach, each witness could participate remotely via video conference. A certified online notary then confirmed our identities, asked the necessary legal screening questions, and made sure everything was done correctly. The entire session was recorded for future reference if needed.
5. Simple Updates
Life happens, and your estate plan might need refreshing when you buy a new property or experience a major personal milestone. I loved that an online system lets me revise everything without reassembling an entire legal team in one room. For bigger changes, you might still want personal counsel. But for quick tweaks, it’s almost as smooth as editing a document on your laptop.
I know you might be wondering about the cost to create an online will in Florida, whether a notary is required, how to store it, how many witnesses are needed, and whether updates can be made easily, so don’t hesitate to consult a trusted platform or professional if you have pressing questions.
If you’re also curious about comparing overall estate planning vs trust options, or simply need some broader estate planning guidelines, there are plenty of resources available to help you protect your assets and legacy. In my experience, going digital let me sidestep unnecessary hassle and ensure my loved ones will be cared for exactly as I intend. Give it a look, and see if it fits your estate planning goals as well.
