How to create a Will online

Source: The Economic Times

A Will is a written statement by a person known as the 'testator' to distribute his property as per his wishes, after his death. While it may seem quite easy to draft a Will, a lot goes into deciding the wording to convey the actual intent of the testator and to fortify it, so that it stands as evidence in court. The following steps describe how to create a Will using online Will drafting services.

Registering on portal

First, one needs to register on the service provider's website. A username and password is assigned to the user for accessing the services offered.

Entering details

Details about the testator, his assets, beneficiaries (legatees) and other personal details are required to be furnished in order to create the Will. These details are sought in the form of a questionnaire or by filling a form on the portal. Once the details are filled in, one can review and edit before submitting the same. Here, the user also needs to indicate who he wishes to appoint as executor to the Will.

Payment

Once the details are submitted, payment needs to be made to the service provider as per their fee schedule. This can be done online or offline, as mandated by the service provider.

First draft, finalisation

A panel of lawyers use the details furnished by the user and create a first draft of the Will. The same is sent to the user for review and approval. The user can suggest changes to the draft. Once the draft is approved, the Will is finalized and sent the user for execution

Execution

Once the final draft is sent to the user, he can sign it in the presence of witnesses.

Registration of Will

Although not mandatory, it is best to register the Will before the sub-registrar as this adds to the authenticity of the document.

Points to note

It is important to check the credentials of the service provider vis-a-vis their background and expertise, as well as the services they offer.

Online Will services usually do not offer the option of creating a joint will. The Will charges usually allow one or two iterations to the draft will. Any further changes entail extra cost.

Share this: