Making a will is the easiest way to ensure your assets are passed on to your heir/s in a smooth manner. For this, one can opt for an online version (e-will). This service is offered by specialised websites for a fee, often much lower than that charged by lawyers.
One may either use the standard formats available on these websites or be asked to fill the details of the assets and heirs. Based on this information, a draft will is prepared, which one has to approve.
To ensure these wills are legally sound, these websites have tie-ups with experts.
Anil Rego, chief executive and founder of Right Horizons, says for an e-will, only the initial steps are in an electronic format—the person making the will fills details such as those related to family, assets and the manner in which the assets are to be transferred. After finalisation, a hard copy of the will is prepared and given as proof.
If needed, these wills can be updated.
“Compared to a physical will, an e-will offers the benefits of simplicity, ease in payment and ease in drafting,” says Rego.
But are online wills valid? And, if contested in court, will these be deemed legal? Neha Pathak, vice-president and head (trust and estate planning), Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Management, says, “Any will can be contested in court, whether it is an e-will or one drawn by a lawyer. It is valid as long as it is signed by two witnesses. Then, it will stand in court.”
Source :- Business Standard & Others
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