Should I Create a Will Online?

Contact the Estate Planning Attorneys at Bingaman Hess to Create Your Will. Serving Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Schuylkill, York, Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Columbia and Northumberland counties.

You may be debating whether to create a will online on your own or to get professional help from an experienced estate planning attorney.

Adults of any age will benefit both themselves and their planned beneficiaries by putting their wishes in writing. Unfortunately, “67% of Americans have no estate plan,” according to CNBC. “That means that 67% are leaving what happens to them and their assets in case of disability or death up to others, including the state.” The most common reason given by the 67% of Americans without an estate plan is that they “haven’t gotten around to it.”

Having an estate plan is both essential and necessary. Should you create an estate plan on your own online or consult with an experienced estate planning attorney? The small advantage of creating a will online is a possible lowered cost, but that is where the benefit ends, and doing so may create increased costs later.

3 Reasons Not to Create a Will Online

Not Customized to Your Legal Needs
Those that create a will online, basically fill in blanks on a standardized form with no direction or understanding of the applicable laws. These standardized forms do not address any unique needs that individuals may have.

An experienced estate attorney will ask questions about topics that many people would not have otherwise considered and will discuss possible scenarios to ensure that an individual’s wishes are clearly stated, that their assets are fully protected, and that the administration of their estate will go smoothly.

May Not Comply With State Laws
Probate laws and procedures vary by state, and you may not understand the applicable laws including, Pennsylvania’s Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code. Every word and detail in an estate plan is essential to ensure the proper execution of your estate, and one mistake can cause major issues for the beneficiaries of your estate. Furthermore, the forms you create online must be executed, witnessed, and notarized properly, or they may be invalid.

No Ongoing Relationship
What if you have a question, your circumstances change, or you want to make a change to your will? What if your family has an issue with your will after you have passed? With an experienced estate planning attorney, you have an ongoing relationship and can speak to someone with questions or problems as they arise. A website cannot provide this unique level of service.

Should you create a will online? The answer is no. Creating a will online can lead to more costly problems and stress for you or – more likely - your family down the road, negating any savings of money or time you may see by preparing a will online.

Qualified Estate Planning Attorneys

There are many facets of estate planning that need to be considered. Bingaman Hess’s estate planning attorneys listen to your unique goals and concerns, thoroughly review your situation, and provide a customized strategy for you. They can provide advice and offer assistance with wills, durable powers of attorney, legal guardianships, , will and trust disputes, estate administration and more.

Contact Us for Help in Creating Your Estate Plan

Are you ready to create an estate plan that ensures your wishes are followed upon your death and makes it easier for your family after you pass? Call Bingaman Hess today at 610.374.8377 or find us online.

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Business Succession Planning

By Mahlon Boyer • May 30, 2026

Business succession planning is an important process that helps business owners prepare for the upcoming transfer of ownership and leadership. Whether the transition involves passing the company to family members, selling to business partners or transferring ownership to outside buyers, having a clear succession plan helps reduce uncertainty and protect the long-term security of the business. A careful plan can also minimize disputes, preserve business value and ensure continuity in periods of change. Planning for Business Transfer The first step in business succession planning is identifying how the business will be transferred and who will assume control. Business owners should evaluate their long-term goals, retirement plans, and the financial needs of both the company and their family members. Some owners choose to pass the business on to children or relatives who are already involved in operations. Others may transfer ownership to key employees, business partners or third party buyers. Each option has different legal, operational and financial consequences. A successful transition often takes years of preparation. Potential successors may need leadership training, operational experience and gradual increases in responsibility to ensure they are ready to effectively manage the business. Good communication with family members, partners and stakeholders is also important to avoid misinterpretations and conflict. Business owners should work with legal and financial professionals to create formal succession documents, update corporate records, and establish a realistic timeline for the transfer process. Use of Buy-Sell Agreements Buy-sell agreements are an essential part of many succession plans. These legally binding agreements specify what happens to the interest of a business owner if certain events occur, such as retirement, disability, death or voluntary departure from the company. A buy-sell agreement typically defines who may buy the shares of the departing owner, how the business interest will be valued and the terms of payment. This structure helps maintain stability and prevents ownership disputes that could disrupt operations. For businesses with multiple owners, buy-sell agreements provide understanding and protections for all parties involved. They can prevent unwanted external ownership and ensure that remaining owners retain control of the company. Funding mechanisms are also important. Many businesses use life insurance policies to fund buyouts in the event of an owner's death. This allows surviving owners or family members to complete the transfer without putting financial hardship on the business. Tax Considerations Tax planning is an important part of business succession planning. If the transfer of ownership is not well planned, the business owner and successor will face a substantial tax liability. Depending on how the transfer takes place, the owners may face capital gains, estate, or gift taxes. With good planning, these tax burdens can be reduced with trusts, step-by-step ownership transfers, family partnerships, or changing the type of business entity. Another important factor is valuation. A proper valuation of a business is important for determining tax liability and ensuring that everyone involved in the transfer is treated fairly. Business owners should regularly review their succession plans with accountants, tax advisors, and attorneys, as tax laws are often changing. Regular updates keep the plan in line with changing legislation and the business’s needs. Let Us Help You Navigate the Essentials of Business Succession Planning Don’t wait! Talk to one of the experienced estate planning attorneys at Bingaman Hess today at 610.374.8377 or contact us online. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No one may rely on this information without consulting an attorney. Anyone who attempts to use this information without attorney consultation does so at their own risk. Bingaman Hess is not and shall never be responsible for anyone who uses this information. It is not legal advice.