5 Estate Planning Myths That Are Keeping You From Making a Will
Wills aren't just for old people. Wills aren't expensive. You don't need a lawyer. Let's clear up the biggest myths — one by one.
By Willy Team · October 30, 2025 · 4 min read
Most of what you think you know about wills is probably wrong. Here are the biggest myths worth clearing up.
Myth #1: "I'm Too Young to Need a Will"
The Truth: If you're over 18 and have anything you care about, you need a will. Age has nothing to do with it.
Most of us think wills are for retirees with beach houses and stock portfolios. But if you have a dog, a savings account, a car, sentimental jewelry, or digital assets, you need to document what happens to them. Accidents, sudden illnesses, and bad luck don't check your age first. It's not about age — it's about responsibility.
Myth #2: "Wills Cost Thousands of Dollars"
The Truth: Traditional lawyers charge $1,000-$3,000 for a simple will. Willy costs $79.
The legal industry convinced us that you need to pay lawyer fees to get a valid will. That's just not true anymore. Online platforms like Willy provide legally valid documents at a fraction of the cost. You're paying for convenience and structure, not billable hours.
Sure, if you own multiple businesses, have complex trusts, or have millions in assets, hire a lawyer. But if your situation is simple? An affordable online will works perfectly.
Myth #3: "Everything Will Just Go to My Partner/Family"
The Truth: Without a will, state law decides—and it might not match your wishes at all.
This is the most dangerous myth. You might assume your boyfriend/girlfriend will inherit your stuff. Nope. If you're not married, your partner legally gets nothing. Everything goes to your blood relatives by default, even if you haven't spoken to them in years.
Even if you're married, state laws might split your assets in ways you didn't expect—especially if you have kids from previous relationships or estranged family members. A will means your wishes are followed, not some generic state formula.
Myth #4: "It's Too Complicated"
The Truth: Making a will can take 10-15 minutes with the right platform.
Old-school estate planning involved dense legal documents, Latin phrases, and confusing terminology. Modern will platforms ask simple questions in plain English: Who gets your stuff? Who takes care of your dog? Who should execute your wishes? That's it.
You don't need to know legal jargon. You don't need to understand probate. You just need to answer simple questions about your life. If you can fill out a job application, you can make a will.
Myth #5: "Once I Make a Will, I Can't Change It"
The Truth: You can update your will whenever you want. You should revisit it every few years.
Wills aren't set in stone. Life changes—new relationships, new assets, new pets, new priorities. Your will should change with it.
Every time you create a new will, it automatically revokes the old one. You don't need to do anything special. Just make a new one. Easy. That's why affordable online wills are so valuable—you can update them without paying another $2,000 in legal fees.
The Real Risk
The biggest myth of all? That you have time to do this later.
None of us know what's going to happen tomorrow. Making a will now — while you're healthy and thinking clearly — means your wishes are on paper. Waiting until there's a crisis means it might be too late.
Stop Waiting. Start Planning.
Estate planning isn't reserved for the wealthy or the elderly. It's for anyone who has loved ones or things they care about. And it's easier and more affordable than you think.
Don't let outdated myths keep you from doing something that takes 10 minutes and could save your loved ones months of stress and confusion.