FAQ’S Frequently Asked Questions

Updated August 2026

Do I need an attorney to create my will?

Not necessarily. Many people with straightforward circumstances can prepare a basic will without having an attorney draft it.

However, wills are governed by state law, and the requirements for properly signing and witnessing a will can vary. Your personal circumstances can also make estate planning more complicated than it first appears.

MyEpiChat is designed to help you think through your wishes and get organized. It is not a substitute for legal advice.

You should strongly consider consulting an estate-planning attorney if your situation involves significant or complicated assets, a business, a blended family, trusts, special-needs planning, unusual family circumstances, potential estate or inheritance taxes, or anything else that makes you uncertain about your plan.

My will is completed. What do I do now?

Completing the document is only part of the process. Your will must also be properly executed according to the laws of your state.

That generally means signing the will and having the required witnesses observe and sign it. Rules concerning witnesses and other formalities vary by state, so make sure you understand the requirements that apply where you live.

Once your will has been properly executed:

  1. Keep the original in a secure place where it can be found.
  2. Make sure your executor knows that the will exists and knows where the original is located.
  3. Consider keeping electronic copies for your records, while remembering that an electronic copy may not substitute for the properly executed original.
  4. Tell a trusted family member or other person where your important estate-planning documents can be found.
  5. Review your will periodically and after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a death in the family, or a significant change in your finances.

The goal isn’t simply to have a will. The goal is to make sure the people who may someday need it can actually find it.

Isn’t it wise to consult an attorney about my will?

Yes.

Even if you prepare a basic will yourself, having a qualified estate-planning attorney review your circumstances can be valuable.

MyEpiChat is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We help you identify decisions that need to be made, organize your wishes, and prepare for conversations with your family and professional advisors.

An attorney can help determine whether your will complies with your state’s laws and whether other estate-planning tools may be appropriate for you.

Why use the planning tools MyEpiChat provides?

There is much more to planning than simply deciding who receives your money.

You may need to think about:

  • Who should care for your minor children?
  • Who should serve as your executor?
  • Who should receive particular possessions or family heirlooms?
  • Are there specific gifts you want to make?
  • Who should care for your pets?
  • Have you discussed these responsibilities with the people you’ve selected?
  • Where will your important documents be kept?
  • Does your family know where to find them?

Working through these questions before meeting with an attorney can help you become better organized and better prepared for that conversation.

Most importantly, it gets you thinking about decisions that are very easy to postpone.

What about my pets?

Your pets depend on you, so they should be part of your plan too.

Don’t simply assume that a family member or friend will take your pet. Talk to the person you have in mind and make sure that person is genuinely willing and able to provide the care your pet needs.

Consider identifying both a primary caregiver and a backup caregiver.

Write down important information about your pet, including:

  • Veterinarian and medical information
  • Medications
  • Food and feeding schedule
  • Daily routines
  • Behavioral or special needs
  • Microchip information
  • Emergency contacts
  • Your wishes for your pet’s long-term care

You should also consider the financial cost of caring for your pet. Food, veterinary care, medications, grooming and other expenses can continue for many years.

A pet generally cannot inherit money or property directly. Depending on your circumstances and state law, however, you may be able to leave funds to a caregiver or establish a pet trust specifically for your pet’s care.

If you want a legally enforceable arrangement for your pet, consider discussing a pet trust or other appropriate planning option with an attorney.

The most important step is simple: talk to the people you trust now and make a plan for the animals who depend on you.

This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Estate and probate laws vary by state. Consider consulting a qualified attorney or other professional about your individual circumstances.