Can I Write My Own Will and Get It Notarized Online?
What’s Legally Allowed, What to Watch Out for, and How To Make Sure Your Wishes are Actually Honored
At some point, the question shows up quietly.
Maybe it’s after a major life change, getting married, having a baby, buying a home.
Maybe it’s after watching someone you love struggle to sort through paperwork they didn’t expect to deal with.
Or maybe it’s just that nagging feeling of “I really should have this handled.”
And then the question becomes very practical: Can I write my own will and get it notarized online, or do I need a lawyer?
The short answer is yes, many people can legally write their own will and notarize documents online.
The longer answer, and the more important one, is that how you do it, where you live, and what else you plan alongside it matters more than most people realize.
This guide breaks it all down in plain language, without legal jargon or fear-based messaging so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Why So Many People Are Asking This Now
End-of-life planning used to feel distant, something reserved for “later.”
But life doesn’t always wait.
People start thinking about a will after:
Getting married or divorced
Having children or becoming a guardian
Buying a house or building assets
Starting a new job or business
Losing a loved one and seeing the fallout firsthand
There’s also a real emotional layer to this. Writing a will isn’t just paperwork, it’s confronting the idea that your absence would affect people you care about.
That’s why online options feel appealing. They promise:
Convenience
Lower cost
Privacy
Control over timing
And in many cases, they can be a reasonable place to start.
What It Really Means to “Write Your Own Will”
Writing your own will doesn’t mean scribbling something informal and hoping for the best. A legally valid will typically needs to meet specific requirements, which vary by state.
In general, a valid will must:
Clearly state that it is your will
Identify you by name
Name beneficiaries and outline how assets should be distributed
Appoint an executor
Be signed by you
Be witnessed according to state law
Some states recognize handwritten (holographic) wills, while others don’t. Many people now use online will-creation platforms, which guide users through legally accepted formats.
What trips people up isn’t intent, it’s missing details, incorrect execution, or assumptions about what “counts.”
Is Online Notarization Legal for Wills?
This is where things get nuanced.
Online notarization is legal in many states, but notarization alone does not automatically make a will valid.
Here’s what’s important to understand:
Most wills do not legally require notarization, they require witnesses
Some states allow remote online notarization (RON)
A notarized will can become “self-proving,” which may speed up probate
Witness rules still apply, even if notarization is done online
In other words, online notarization can be helpful, but it doesn’t replace understanding your state’s requirements.
Because laws vary, it’s always wise to:
Confirm your state’s rules
Use reputable platforms
Avoid assuming that “online” automatically means “accepted everywhere”
When a DIY Will Can Work, and When It’s Risky
For many people, a DIY will is completely appropriate.
A self-written or online will may work well if:
Your assets are straightforward
You don’t have complex family dynamics
You’re clear about beneficiaries
You’re following your state’s execution rules
However, DIY wills can become risky when:
There are blended families or dependents with special needs
Assets are spread across multiple states
Language is vague or contradictory
Documents are stored improperly or forgotten
The biggest issue isn’t usually legality, it’s clarity. When something is unclear, families are left guessing, and that’s when stress, conflict, and delays arise.
The Problem Most People Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late
A will answers some questions, but not all of them.
It doesn’t explain:
Funeral or memorial preferences
Medical wishes or end-of-life care choices
Where important documents are stored
Who to contact first
Personal notes or messages you want loved ones to have
When these details aren’t written down, families are left trying to piece things together during an already emotional time.
Many people assume, “They’ll know what I want.”
In reality, loved ones often wish they had clearer guidance.
How to Create a Plan That Actually Helps the People You Love
A will works best when it’s part of a bigger organization system.
That means pairing legal documents with:
Written instructions
Updated personal information
Clear records of accounts and contacts
Notes about preferences, values, and wishes
It also means revisiting your plan after major milestones, marriage, children, moves, job changes, so it stays current.
Organization doesn’t replace legal advice. It supports it.
And it makes things easier for the people who will one day need to step in.
A Softer, More Practical Way to Get Organized
If you’re looking for a way to bring everything together, without creating overwhelm, an all-in-one planning system can help.
Many people choose to use:
Editable digital forms to document wishes clearly
A physical binder with labeled tabs to keep everything accessible
A single place for end-of-life plans, funeral preferences, and key information
This kind of system doesn’t replace a will, it supports it.
It helps ensure that your decisions don’t live in scattered files, forgotten emails, or conversations someone is trying to remember under stress.
For many families, it’s the difference between confusion and calm.
Our All-in-One Solution for End-of-Life Planning & Organization
Looking for a simple way to organize everything clearly? Planned with Purpose’s all-in-one planning system helps you gather, document, and store your wishes in one place.
It includes editable PDFs for key decisions and a structured binder with tabs so nothing gets missed and nothing gets scattered.
Ditch the overwhelm and invest in the right system. Ready to get started? Start shopping by clicking the button below.
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t About Death, It’s About Relief
Writing your own will and notarizing documents online can be a valid option, but it’s only one part of the picture.
What truly matters is this:
Your wishes are clear
Your information is organized
The people you love aren’t left guessing
Planning ahead isn’t morbid. It’s practical. It’s caring.
And it’s one of the quietest ways to show up for the people who matter most.
If you’re ready to take the next step, whether that’s creating a will, organizing your documents, or simply getting things out of your head and onto paper, start small. Start clearly. Start in a way that feels manageable.
That alone can bring more peace than you expect.
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