Anybody here use freewill.com to make their will?
Or had a relative/friend who used it and passed away?
Any advice on if it’s a good way to go (so to speak)?
I haven’t used it, but I’d guess it’s like the other online will services. A simple estate will have a pretty simple will. You could almost write it yourself with something like “Everything goes to my spouse. If my spouse per-deceases me, then everything goes to my kids in even shares.” If your estate is more complicated or may be contested, then it’d probably be best to use a real lawyer. One thing that can be a bit of a hassle with online will services is getting it notarized. Not all notaries will notarize wills. And you typically need two witnesses that are not part of the will.
One thing you can do to greatly simplify your estate is list beneficiaries for all your financial accounts. You should be able to log into your bank account, IRA, 401k, etc. and list specific people who get the account when you die. The account goes straight to that person without having to go through your estate. Property can be transferred in a similar way by filing a Transfer on Death Deed with the county. When you die, the property changes to the person you designate without having to go through your estate. If you set up beneficiaries for all your financial accounts and property, then your estate may just be the little stuff like household goods and cars.
A couple of months ago I spent a fair amount of time rummaging through these sites to see if it would make sense, because I do think our will will be relatively straightforward. Turns out however I had a bunch of questions, so instead I called a lawyer – today - and have an appointment next week to have a will done formally. It might or might not be a waste of money, so I’m curious to hear how people respond to the OP.
I researched online Will sites but ultimately used an attorney specializing in Estate matters and I’m satisfied with my choice. I had a few 'what if" questions involving beneficiaries and Executors the online sites didn’t address and the attorney answered these state-specific questions. We also had Medical Directives prepared at the same time. I have no regrets.