As an experienced Olney will and trust lawyer, I’m often asked whether residents can legally write their own wills without an attorney. The short answer is yes—Maryland law does allow individuals to create their own wills. However, the more important question isn’t whether you can, but whether you should.
The Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Maryland
For a will to be legally valid in Maryland, it must meet several basic requirements:
- The person creating the will (the “testator”) must be at least 18 years old
- The testator must be of sound mind and creating the will voluntarily
- The will must be in writing
- The will must be signed by the testator
- The will must be signed by at least two witnesses who were present when the testator signed the document
While these requirements may seem straightforward, the legal interpretation of terms like “sound mind” and proper witnessing procedures can be more complex than many realize.
DIY Will Options Available to Olney Residents
If you’re considering writing your own will, you generally have three options:
- Handwritten (holographic) wills: These are entirely handwritten by the testator. Maryland doesn’t recognize holographic wills as valid.
- Fill-in-the-blank forms: Various stationary stores and online services offer basic will templates.
- Online will-creation software: These programs walk you through a series of questions to generate a will.
Each option comes with significant limitations and potential pitfalls that could invalidate your will or create unintended consequences for your loved ones.
Why DIY Wills Often Create Problems
While writing your own will might save money initially, it can create costly problems later. As an Olney will and trust lawyer who has handled numerous probate cases, I’ve witnessed firsthand how DIY wills can go wrong:
- Improper execution: One minor mistake in signing or witnessing can invalidate the entire document.
- Unclear language: Without legal training, your instructions may be ambiguous or contradictory, leading to family disputes or court interpretation that doesn’t match your wishes
- Missing provisions: DIY wills often omit crucial elements like contingent beneficiaries, specific bequests, or executor powers.
- Failure to address complex situations: Blended families, business ownership, or special needs beneficiaries require specialized provisions rarely included in basic templates.
- Not accounting for Maryland specific laws: Each state has unique requirements and restrictions that generic forms don’t address.
The Value of Professional Guidance in Olney
Working with an experienced Olney will and trust lawyer often costs less than many people expect, especially when compared to the potential expense of probate complications or family conflicts caused by an inadequate will.
Professional guidance ensures your will:
- Meets all Maryland legal requirements
- Clearly expresses your wishes
- Includes all necessary provisions
- Minimizes potential tax implications
- Accounts for your unique family and financial situation
The Bottom Line
While you can legally write your own will in Maryland, doing so involves significant risks. The question isn’t just whether you can, but whether the potential cost savings outweigh the risks of leaving your loved ones with problems that could have been easily avoided.
If you’re considering creating or updating your will, I invite you to contact our office at (240) 813-8843 or click here for a consultation. As an experienced Olney will and trust lawyers, Willow Legal Group can help ensure your estate plan truly protects what matters most to you.