How to Create and Finalize Your Will with BetterEstate
To get started with BetterEstate is easy. BetterEstate is like texting a friendly lawyer. You send a message, and we take care of the rest!
Let me walk you through how incredibly easy it is to create a custom will using BetterEstate.
First of all, and this is key: You don't even need to create an account or prepay to get started. Our goal is to make it as absolutely easy as possible for you to begin, without any commitments.
Then Alice, our digital assistant, will ask you why you need a will. You can either tell us your specific needs, like "I want my son to inherit my house," or simply type "Start" to be guided through the process.
Once we have all the information we need, we’ll provide you with a clear overview. You can then decide whether you want our human experts to finalize your will. You're always in control.
We will email your will within 48 hours. If you choose the premium option, a physical copy of your will will be mailed to you within 8 business days. Please note that USPS has been experiencing delays lately, so delivery may take a little longer.
Here's what you need to do next:
1. Read
Please review your will carefully to ensure you understand everything.
If you need any changes, simply email us.
2. Sign
Find two witnesses. They must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. In some states, 14 is old enough! Neither your witnesses nor their spouses should receive any gifts in your will.
You and your witnesses must sign and date your will during the same session.
While in the presence of your witnesses, verbally acknowledge that this is your Last Will and Testament. For example, you could say: “This is my Last Will and Testament that I am signing, and it represents my wishes for the distribution of my property at the time of my death.” Then:
Sign your name on each page of the will using the signature boxes provided. On the last page, also fill in the date where indicated.
Have your witnesses sign and date where indicated.
While only Louisiana requires wills to be notarized, we will send a Self-Proving Affidavit section in case you choose to notarize it for extra protection.
3. Keep Safe
Store your original, signed will in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof box in your home.
Avoid removing staples or allowing pages to be torn, as this may raise concerns in probate court about whether your will has been altered.
Notify your executor nominees of the location of your will and ensure they have access.
You may make and distribute copies of your signed will for reference to loved ones. However, if your original signed will cannot be found upon your death, probate court may question whether you intentionally destroyed your original will and may not accept a copy as proof of your wishes.
4. Update
It’s a good idea to update your will when you marry, have children, divorce, move, or experience other major life changes.
If you would like to update your will, simply email us so we can help you make any changes you’d like. If your estate is particularly large or complicated, we recommend consulting a qualified attorney.
Do not attempt to amend your will by adding, crossing out, or modifying text in your existing will.
To avoid confusion, you may want to destroy any old wills you have created.