Alberta Will Kits & DIY Wills: Clearly Understanding the Risks
If you’re considering using a DIY will kit, an online template, or creating a homemade will, it’s important to understand the risks involved clearly. At Mobile Wills Calgary, we regularly meet clients who’ve experienced the unintended consequences and expensive problems caused by DIY will solutions.
Below, we clearly explain exactly what Alberta will kits are, their significant risks and drawbacks, and why professionally prepared wills provide far superior protection for your family and estate.
What Are Alberta Will Kits & DIY Wills?
Alberta will kits, also known as DIY (do-it-yourself) wills, typically come as pre-made templates or forms available online or in stores. These kits require you to complete your own will without professional legal assistance.
Commonly used DIY will options include:
Pre-printed forms sold at office-supply or stationery stores
Online downloadable templates
Generic PDF documents or e-books
While initially appealing due to lower upfront costs, DIY wills carry significant risks clearly overlooked by many people.
Common Risks & Problems with DIY Will Kits in Alberta
Alberta’s strict laws regarding wills mean that DIY solutions frequently cause serious, expensive problems. Clearly understanding these risks is crucial:
1. Risk of Invalidity Due to Improper Execution
Alberta law requires wills to follow strict legal formalities for witnessing and signing. DIY wills frequently become invalid because of simple mistakes, such as improper witnessing, missing signatures, or unclear language.
2. Vague or Unclear Language Causing Legal Disputes
Without professional legal drafting, DIY wills often contain ambiguous or incomplete wording, causing confusion, costly legal disputes, and significant family conflict after your passing.
3. Overlooking Important Legal Issues
DIY kits rarely account for Alberta-specific legal considerations like guardianship, blended families, beneficiary designations, or asset-specific instructions, resulting in unintended outcomes and lengthy probate battles.
4. Unintentionally Leaving Assets Unprotected
Online forms and kits often fail to account for important estate planning issues like trusts for minor children, asset protection, or business succession planning, leaving your estate vulnerable and your wishes unclear.
5. Additional Probate Costs & Delays
Poorly drafted DIY wills commonly trigger lengthy probate proceedings, legal fees, delays, and emotional distress for your family at a difficult time.
Real-Life Examples: Problems Clearly Caused by DIY Wills
Consider some common real-life problems clearly experienced by Albertans who used DIY wills:
Unintended beneficiaries receiving assets due to unclear wording.
Minor children not adequately protected, causing financial vulnerability.
Executors struggling with probate because the DIY will did not meet Alberta’s strict witnessing rules.
Costly family conflicts and court battles caused by ambiguous instructions.
These scenarios clearly show that the short-term savings of DIY kits are often lost due to long-term costs and issues.
While DIY will kits may appear affordable upfront, professionally drafted wills by Mobile Wills Calgary clearly provide far superior long-term protection:
1. Complete Legal Validity
Professional drafting from our estate lawyers ensure your will clearly meets all Alberta-specific legal requirements—no risk of accidental invalidation.
2. Clear, Precise Language
Every professionally drafted will from our will lawyer is carefully prepared with clear, legally enforceable instructions, eliminating confusion, costly disputes, and family stress.
3. Customized to Your Needs
Our wills are tailored and drafted specifically to your unique family, financial situation, and estate goals—clearly addressing guardianship, trusts, blended family issues, and more.
4. Peace of Mind & Security
Professional lawyer prepared wills provide confidence, clarity, and security—knowing your family and assets are fully protected.
Many people mistakenly believe professional lawyer wills are expensive or complicated. At Mobile Wills Calgary, we offer straightforward, transparent, and affordable flat-rate fees:
Individual – Will: $525 (fully inclusive – with no-cost premium house call mobile service)
Couples’ – Mirror Wills: $650 (total for both – with no-cost premium house call mobile service)
Full Estate Packages: starting at $750 (fully inclusive – with no-cost premium house call mobile service)
Our premium mobile service at your home, office, or preferred location is always fully included at no additional cost.
When DIY Wills and Will Kits May (Briefly) Be Appropriate
DIY wills are best suited strictly for temporary emergencies when no immediate professional service is available—such as severe illness or urgent travel. However, even then, a handwritten “holographic will” clearly stating your intentions and signed by you (without witnesses) is preferable to incomplete DIY templates.
At your earliest opportunity, clearly update your emergency DIY document with a professionally drafted will from Mobile Wills Calgary.
Choosing Mobile Wills Calgary for your professionally drafted will offers clear advantages:
Professional Legal Expertise:
Expertly drafted wills fully compliant with Alberta law.Affordable, Transparent Pricing:
Clearly communicated upfront—no surprises.Premium Mobile Service (Always Included):
Complete convenience—clearly unmatched by any DIY option.Personalized & Protective:
Your will clearly tailored to your specific needs, protecting your family and estate.
Are DIY Will Kits Worth the Risk? (Clear Answer: No!)
Considering the serious and costly consequences, the small upfront savings provided by DIY kits simply aren’t worth it. Clearly choose professional, affordable peace of mind with Mobile Wills Calgary instead.
