DIY Will and Trust: What You Need to Know
Planning for the future doesn’t have to mean hiring an expensive attorney. More and more people are turning to DIY estate planning, specifically drafting their own wills and trusts, to protect their families, property, and legacy. But estate documents are more than just paperwork. When done incorrectly, they can lead to disputes, delays, or invalidated wishes after you're gone.
That’s where AriCleo comes in. We’re not attorneys, and we don’t give legal advice, but we professionally prepare legal documents with care, compliance, and accuracy, so you can plan confidently without paying thousands in legal fees.
In this blog post, we’ll break down:
The difference between wills and trusts
What revocable and irrevocable trusts do
Common mistakes in DIY estate planning
How AriCleo can help you complete these forms professionally
And a FREE downloadable checklist to help you get started
🧾 What Is a Will?
A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that:
States how you want your property and belongings distributed after death
Names an executor to manage your estate
Can appoint a guardian for minor children
May include funeral or burial wishes
Wills are simple, inexpensive, and accepted in all states, but they must meet state-specific requirements to be valid. In Florida, for example, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (you), and witnessed by two individuals.
🛑 Important: Wills must go through probate court — a process that can take months or longer, depending on the estate's size and complexity.
🗂️ What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the grantor) transfers assets into a trust to be managed by another (the trustee) for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries).
Unlike a will, a trust can:
Avoid probate
Take effect while you're still alive
Offer privacy (not public record like a will)
Be customized for specific goals — such as asset protection or tax benefits
There are two main types of trusts:
✅ Revocable Living Trust
A revocable trust (or living trust):
Lets you retain control of your assets while you're alive
Can be changed or revoked at any time
Automatically names a successor trustee to manage the trust upon your death or incapacity
Pros:
Avoids probate
Maintains flexibility
Useful if you want to plan for incapacity
Cons:
Offers limited protection from creditors or lawsuits
May not provide tax benefits
❌ Irrevocable Trust
An irrevocable trust:
Cannot be changed or revoked once signed (with very limited exceptions)
Removes assets from your personal ownership
Can protect assets from creditors, lawsuits, and estate taxes
Pros:
Excellent for asset protection
Can reduce estate taxes
May help qualify for Medicaid or long-term care benefits
Cons:
You give up control of the assets
Requires careful planning and legal precision
⚠️ Common Mistakes in DIY Wills and Trusts
Many people attempt to write their own will or trust with templates found online — but even small errors can create big problems. Here are some common mistakes we help people avoid:
1. Failing to Follow State Rules
Each state has specific signing and witnessing requirements. A will may be invalid if it’s not executed properly.
2. Using Incomplete or Generic Templates
“Fill-in-the-blank” documents often leave out key details like:
Backup beneficiaries
Alternate executors
Specific distribution instructions
3. Not Funding the Trust
A trust is only useful if you transfer assets into it. Many people forget to retitle their property, bank accounts, or investments in the name of the trust.
4. Forgetting to Update Documents
Life changes. If you get married, divorced, or have children, your estate plan must reflect those changes. Outdated documents may not carry out your wishes.
5. Overlooking Digital Assets or Debts
Your estate plan should include email accounts, crypto assets, online banking, and even social media — plus a plan for outstanding debts.
🛠️ How AriCleo Can Help You with Wills and Trusts
At AriCleo, we provide legal document preparation services that are:
Affordable (flat-rate pricing — no hourly fees)
Accurate (we ensure compliance with your state’s formatting and filing rules)
Confidential (your information is treated with respect and security)
Friendly and approachable (you’re never just a case number)
Whether you’re creating a simple will or setting up a revocable trust, we help you:
Select and complete the correct documents
Understand required signatures and witnessing
Draft clear instructions and name appropriate parties
Ensure your documents are ready to be signed, notarized, or filed (if necessary)
We don’t give legal advice — but we take the guesswork out of getting your documents right.
🧾 What We Can Help Prepare
We assist with professionally preparing:
Last Will and Testament
Self-Proving Affidavit
Revocable Living Trust Agreement
Irrevocable Trust Documents
Declaration of Guardian (for minor children)
Power of Attorney (Durable/Medical)
Living Will / Advance Healthcare Directive
Property Assignment to Trust
Need something custom? We may be able to help — just ask!
✅ Free DIY Will & Trust Checklist
Before you get started on any estate planning, it’s important to gather key documents and think through some major decisions. This checklist will help you get organized.
DIY Will & Trust Checklist
Personal Info & Decisions
Full legal name and date of birth
Names of spouse, children, or other beneficiaries
Guardian choices for minor children
Executor of your will (and an alternate)
Trustee of your trust (and successor trustee)
Assets to Include
Real estate (home, land)
Bank accounts
Vehicles and boats
Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Life insurance
Business ownership
Personal valuables (jewelry, artwork, collections)
Documents to Prepare
Last Will and Testament
Revocable Living Trust (if applicable)
Irrevocable Trust (if applicable)
Power of Attorney (Durable and Medical)
Advance Healthcare Directive
List of digital assets and passwords
Next Steps
Sign documents with correct witnesses
Notarize where required
Fund the trust (title assets in trust’s name)
Store documents in a safe, accessible location
Review documents every 2–3 years or after life changes
🧭 Final Thoughts: Plan With Confidence — Not Confusion
Creating your will or trust is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your family, your wishes, and your peace of mind. And you don’t have to pay thousands in legal fees to do it.
With AriCleo, you get the benefit of professionally prepared documents, without the pressure, complexity, or cost of hiring an attorney. Whether you're drafting a will, setting up a trust, or assigning power of attorney, we’re here to help you do it right.
💬 What Our Clients Say
“I always thought estate planning was only for the wealthy. AriCleo made the process simple, affordable, and respectful.”
— George R., Sarasota, FL
“They helped me organize everything and made sure I had the right forms — I now feel at peace knowing my family is protected.”
— Angela S., Miami, FL
📞 Ready to Get Started?
Let AriCleo help you protect what matters most.
🌐 Visit us at: www.AriCleoDocs.com
📧 Email: info@aricleodocs.com
📞 Call or text: (561) 310-6323
📍 Serving Florida residents with professionalism and heart
Disclaimer
AriCleo is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal strategy. We assist with the preparation of legal documents at your direction. All work is procedural, administrative, and performed with professional discretion. For legal advice or courtroom advocacy, please consult a licensed attorney.