The Pitfalls of DIY Wills: A Florida Case You Don’t Want to Repeat
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Online legal tools are everywhere.
They promise to help you create a will in minutes—cheap, fast, and easy.
But as one Florida case shows, that convenience can turn into confusion, court battles, and completely unintended outcomes.
If you’ve thought about writing your own will or using an online service, this story is a must-read.
The Case of Aldrich Estate
Ms. Ann Aldrich thought she was doing the right thing.
She used a form from
E-Z Legal Forms to create her will. She listed a few specific assets she wanted to leave to her sister, and if her sister passed, those assets would go to her brother.
Simple enough, right?
But here’s what went wrong:
- Her sister died before she did
- Ms. Aldrich never updated her will
- The will did not include a residuary clause (which covers anything not specifically listed)
As a result, all the assets not named in her original will ended up going to her nieces under Florida's intestacy laws—not to her brother, which appeared to be her actual intent.
Worse? It all played out in probate court, with family members on opposing sides.
Why It Happened
Ms. Aldrich didn’t do anything unusual.
She used a DIY template. She followed the instructions.
But:
- She wasn’t a lawyer
- She didn’t know what a residuary clause was
- She had no one to advise her on updates or strategy
This one missing clause turned her legacy into a family dispute, and a probate nightmare.
What a DIY Will Can’t Give You
Whether it’s a form or a cheap one-size-fits-all lawyer, here’s what you miss when you take the DIY route:
❌
Legal advice tailored to your situation
❌
Help with updates as life changes
❌ Strategic planning for all your assets
❌ Protection from gaps and mistakes
Online forms can’t ask you key questions.
They can’t spot red flags.
And they won’t guide your family when it matters most.
What to Do Instead
Legal documents alone don’t make an estate plan.
They need to work together—with your family, your finances, and your future in mind.
When you work with us, your Personal Family Lawyer® firm, here’s what you’ll get:
✔️ A full review of your assets
✔️ Clear legal guidance based on your life and goals
✔️ A plan that’s easy for your family to follow
✔️ Regular updates as your life and the law change
✔️ Tools to protect your kids, pets, and legacy
And we start with something simple.
Let This Be a Lesson—Not Your Legacy
Ms. Aldrich’s story is common, but it’s also preventable.
Your will should reflect your values—not just your valuables.
And your plan should protect the people you love—not leave them in court.
Let’s build that plan together.
📞 Schedule a 15-minute call with our Client Service Director, April.
