Can You Write Your Own Will In Maryland? What You Need To Know

By Kaitlyn P. Tauber, Esq., Liberty Legacy Law Group

If you’ve ever Googled “How to write a will,” you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Maryland residents search for DIY estate planning solutions – whether it’s to save money, save time, or just avoid thinking about lawyers.

And we get it.

Creating a will can seem overwhelming, expensive, or even unnecessary, especially if you think your life is “simple.”

But here’s the truth: Yes, you can write your own will in Maryland.

The real question is: Should you?

This post breaks down what Maryland law allows, what a legally valid will must include, and the risks of going the DIY route. Because when it comes to protecting your family, your property, and your legacy – “good enough” doesn’t always cut it.

What Makes a Will Valid in Maryland?

Maryland has specific legal requirements for a will to be considered valid.

To write your own will, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of sound mind
• Create the will voluntarily (no coercion)
• Sign the will (or direct someone else to sign for you in your presence)
• Have it signed by two credible witnesses, who also sign in your presence and in each other’s presence

That’s it. No notary required. No need for a lawyer.

So yes, you can absolutely write your own will and have it be legally valid. But legal validity is just the start. The real risk is practical effectiveness.

The Risks of DIY Wills

We’ve seen many DIY wills over the years – some from online platforms, some typed up in Word, and some even handwritten. While they may be legally valid, they often lead to confusion, conflict, and unintended consequences.

Here are the top issues we see:

1. Unclear Language

Wills need to be precise. Ambiguity can lead to disputes or misinterpretation.

“I leave everything to my kids” sounds simple – but what if you have biological and stepchildren? Or one child predeceases you?

2. Missing Provisions

Most DIY wills forget to name important roles:

• Who is your personal representative (executor)?
• What happens if a beneficiary dies first?
• Do you want guardians for your children?
• How should debts, taxes, and expenses be paid?

These omissions can force your family into probate court for clarification.

3. No Plan for Contingencies

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. A professionally prepared will accounts for alternate scenarios and “what-ifs.” DIY wills usually don’t.

4. Not Tailored to Maryland Law

Many online platforms use generic forms not customized for Maryland law. That can lead to provisions being unenforceable or missing state-specific nuances.

5. Probate Problems

Even a valid will must go through probate. But a professionally drafted will can simplify that process and avoid unnecessary costs. A DIY will might make it messier, longer, or more expensive.

What Happens If Your DIY Will Fails?

If a court finds your will to be unclear, incomplete, or improperly executed, it could:

• Be partially invalidated
• Be completely thrown out
• Cause probate delays
• Increase legal fees for your estate
• Spark family disputes

Worst case? Maryland’s intestacy laws take over, distributing your assets according to a fixed formula, regardless of your intentions.

Common Myths About DIY Wills

“I don’t have much, so I don’t need a will.”

If you have kids, own a home, or have a bank account – you have an estate worth protecting.

“I told my family what I want. They’ll honor it.”

Verbal promises aren’t legally binding. And even close families can disagree under stress.

“I’ll fix it later.”

Sometimes, “later” doesn’t come. It’s better to have a solid plan now that you can update, than a flimsy plan that fails when needed.

When DIY Wills Might Work

To be fair, there are situations where a simple DIY will might be enough:

• You have no children or dependents
• You’re single with no complex assets
• You want everything to go to one person
• You understand Maryland law well
• You’re comfortable with the risks

Even then, we recommend having it reviewed by an attorney. It’s a small investment that can prevent major issues down the line.

The Better Approach: Professional Guidance + Peace of Mind

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we believe estate planning doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive.

We offer:

• Flat-fee pricing (no surprise hourly bills)
• Simple planning for real families
• Custom documents tailored to your goals
• Friendly, approachable attorneys who explain things in plain English

We help you:

• Understand your options
• Create a clear, legal, and enforceable will
• Ensure your family knows what to do when the time comes
• Avoid probate headaches, tax traps, and family conflict

Because peace of mind is priceless.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can. But Should You?

Maryland does allow handwritten or self-prepared wills. But just because you can, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.

Your will is more than a document. It’s your last act of protection, your final say, your chance to make things easier for the people you love most.

So ask yourself:

• Will my DIY will truly hold up in court?
• Will it cover everything it needs to?
• Will it make things easier or harder for my family?

If you’re not sure, let’s talk. We’re not here to upsell you. We’re here to help you get it right.

Let’s turn good intentions into real protection. Reach out to Liberty Legacy Law Group today for a will that does more than check a box – it gives you clarity, control, and confidence.