Digital Wills vs Paper: Which Should You Choose?
Struggling to decide between a digital or paper will? We break down the pros, cons, and legal standing of each to help you make the most secure, informed choice.
Digital Wills vs Paper: Which Should You Choose?
December 04, 2025
In an increasingly digital world, even the most traditional legal documents are being transformed by technology. The humble will, a cornerstone of estate planning for centuries, is now available in digital formats across many jurisdictions. As an expert in this evolving field, I want to help you understand the key differences between digital wills and traditional paper wills, with specific considerations for residents of Australia, the UK, and the US.
What Exactly Is a Digital Will?
The term "digital will" can refer to several different concepts:
1. Electronically Stored Traditional Will
A conventional will created using word processing software, then printed and executed with physical signatures according to traditional legal requirements, but stored in digital format.
2. Online Will Creation Platform Output
A will created using an online will maker service, then printed and executed according to traditional legal requirements with physical signatures.
3. Fully Electronic Will
A will that is created, signed, witnessed, and stored entirely in electronic format, with no paper version. These are only valid in specific jurisdictions with enabling legislation.
4. Digital Asset Will
A traditional will that specifically addresses digital assets and online accounts, regardless of its own format.
"Understanding which type of digital will you're considering is crucial, as legal validity varies dramatically," explains experts at online will writing.
Meet your Legacy Assistant — Charli Evaheld is here to guide you through your free Evaheld Legacy Vault so you can create, share, and preserve everything that matters — from personal stories and care wishes to legal and financial documents — all in one secure place, for life.
Current Legal Status by Country
The legal landscape for fully electronic wills continues to evolve rapidly:
Australia
Australia has made significant progress toward digital will recognition:
- Most states introduced electronic witnessing provisions during COVID-19
- Some of these provisions have been extended or made permanent
- Electronic storage of traditionally executed wills is widely accepted
- Fully electronic wills remain contentious in most jurisdictions
- Courts have discretion to accept non-compliant wills in certain circumstances
"Australia is gradually embracing digital formats while maintaining core protective requirements," notes advance care planning specialists.
United Kingdom
The UK has been more conservative regarding digital wills:
- The Wills Act 1837 still requires paper wills with physical signatures
- Temporary provisions during COVID-19 allowed video-witnessed signings
- The Law Commission has recommended reforms to accommodate electronic wills
- Electronic storage of properly executed paper wills is accepted
- Online will maker services are widely used but produce traditional paper documents
"The UK legal system recognizes the need for modernization but moves cautiously to protect against fraud and undue influence," explains legacy preservation blog.
United States
The US has a state-by-state approach with significant variation:
- The Uniform Electronic Wills Act provides a model law for states
- Several states have enacted electronic will legislation, including Nevada, Florida, Arizona, and Utah
- Requirements typically include electronic signatures, digital witnessing protocols, and qualified custodians
- Many states still require traditional paper execution
- Courts in some states have discretion to validate technically non-compliant wills
"The United States is leading innovation in fully electronic wills, but with a patchwork of state laws creating potential confusion," advises experts in digital estate planning.
Advantages of Digital Wills
Modern digital will options offer several potential benefits:
1. Convenience and Accessibility
- Creation from anywhere with internet access
- No need for physical storage space
- Easier to share with relevant professionals
- Accessible during emergencies or natural disasters
- Particularly valuable for those with mobility limitations
- Online will maker services available 24/7
2. Cost-Effectiveness
- Online will services typically cost 70-90% less than traditional solicitor fees
- Reduced need for in-person professional meetings
- Electronic storage often less expensive than physical safe deposit boxes
- Simplified update process can reduce long-term costs
- Some platforms offer subscription models with unlimited updates
"The cost advantages of digital creation tools make proper estate planning accessible to many who previously couldn't afford it," notes online will writing experts.
3. Easier Updates
- Electronic documents simplify the amendment process
- Version control prevents confusion about the latest document
- Some platforms offer automatic review reminders
- Changes can be made quickly in response to life events
- Reduced friction means more people actually complete needed updates
4. Better Digital Asset Planning
- Digital estate planning platforms specifically address online accounts
- Integration with digital asset management tools
- More comprehensive inventory of digital properties
- Specific instructions for each type of digital asset
- Password management integration
- Digital inheritance provisions tailored to platform policies
"Traditional paper wills often overlook digital assets entirely, while digital platforms make them a central consideration," explains digital legacy vault specialists.
5. Enhanced Security Features
- Encryption of sensitive information
- Access logging and monitoring
- Backup redundancies
- Protection from physical damage or loss
- Controlled access permissions
- Authentication protocols
Disadvantages and Limitations of Digital Wills
Despite their advantages, digital approaches have potential drawbacks:
1. Legal Uncertainty in Some Jurisdictions
- Fully electronic wills not universally recognized
- Evolving laws create potential validity questions
- International assets may require jurisdiction-specific approaches
- Court precedent still developing in many regions
- Potential for challenges from beneficiaries
"Legal recognition of fully electronic wills remains incomplete, creating risks in some jurisdictions," cautions family legacy planning experts.
2. Technology Concerns
- Platform longevity not guaranteed
- Format obsolescence over decades
- Encryption key management
- Potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
- Power or internet outages during critical situations
- Digital divide excluding those uncomfortable with technology
3. Witnessing Complexities
- Electronic witnessing requirements more complex in some jurisdictions
- Remote witnessing protocols still evolving
- Potential for technical failures during witnessing
- Identity verification challenges
- Witness qualifications may be harder to verify
4. Potential for Fraud or Undue Influence
- Digital impersonation risks
- Potential screen sharing during "private" review
- Harder to assess capacity in remote creation
- Digital literacy disparities could disadvantage some users
- Pressure could be applied off-camera in remote witnessing
"The witnessing process for wills exists to protect against fraud and undue influence, making this a crucial consideration for digital formats," notes experts in online estate planning.
Protect your legacy with ease — create and securely store your will with Evaheld’s free online will maker in the Evaheld Legacy Vault, and share it safely with family or your legal adviser in minutes
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
When deciding between digital and paper approaches, consider these factors:
Jurisdiction-Specific Legal Requirements
- Research current laws in your location
- Consult with a local estate planning attorney when uncertain
- Consider where your assets are located
- Understand witnessing requirements
- Review recent legal developments
Asset Complexity and Value
- Higher-value or complex estates may warrant traditional approaches
- Digital tools work well for straightforward situations
- Consider tax implications particular to your jurisdiction
- Business interests may require specialized provisions
- International assets create additional considerations
Personal Technology Comfort
- Be honest about your technology proficiency
- Consider the digital literacy of your executor
- Evaluate your comfort with electronic storage
- Assess whether you'll maintain updated passwords and access information
- Determine if you'll remember to maintain digital subscriptions
Security and Privacy Needs
- Evaluate the security protocols of digital providers
- Consider privacy implications of electronic storage
- Review provider terms regarding data usage
- Assess your comfort with cloud-based solutions
- Consider hybrid approaches for sensitive information
"The right approach combines legal validity, personal comfort, and practical considerations for your specific situation," advises advance health directive experts.
Best Practices for Digital Will Creation
If you choose to use digital tools for your will, follow these guidelines:
1. Verify Legal Compliance
- Research current requirements in your jurisdiction
- Ensure the platform is updated for local laws
- Consider professional legal review of digitally-created documents
- Understand the difference between creation and execution
- Follow jurisdiction-specific witnessing protocols exactly
2. Choose Reputable Providers
- Research company longevity and reputation
- Review security and privacy practices
- Understand their business continuity plans
- Check if they carry professional indemnity insurance
- Verify data portability if the company ceases operations
"Selecting established providers with legal expertise in your jurisdiction provides important protection," recommends online will writing.
3. Create Proper Backups
- Generate PDF copies for personal storage
- Consider printing executed copies for physical storage
- Share access information with trusted individuals
- Use digital legacy vault services with robust backup protocols
- Document storage locations for your executor
4. Address Digital Assets Specifically
- Create a comprehensive inventory of digital assets
- Provide clear instructions for each account
- Consider password manager integration
- Address cryptocurrency holdings specifically
- Update as your digital portfolio changes
"Digital asset management should be a specific component of any modern will, regardless of the will's format," notes experts in digital inheritance.
5. Plan for Technology Evolution
- Choose widely-used file formats
- Consider how access will work over decades
- Create technology-independent instructions
- Review and update as platforms change
- Consider how future executors will access information
The Hybrid Approach: Combining Digital and Traditional Elements
Many experts recommend a balanced approach:
1. Digital Creation with Traditional Execution
- Use online will maker services for document creation
- Print and execute according to traditional legal requirements
- Store both physical and digital copies
- Leverage digital tools for organization and inventory
- Maintain traditional witnessing protocols
2. Traditional Will with Digital Asset Appendix
- Create a conventional will with proper legal execution
- Add a regularly updated digital asset inventory
- Use a digital legacy vault for password and access information
- Reference but don't include sensitive access details in the will itself
- Maintain both systems with regular updates
3. Jurisdiction-Specific Hybrid Solutions
- Primary will executed according to local requirements
- Digital copies maintained in secure storage
- Electronic inventory of assets kept current
- Digital estate planning tools for organization
- Appropriate directives for digital asset access
"A thoughtful hybrid approach often provides the best of both worlds—legal certainty with digital convenience," explains dementia care activities specialists who work with estate planning for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The choice between digital and paper wills isn't simply about technology preference—it involves important legal, practical, and personal considerations. While digital tools offer convenience, accessibility, and often cost advantages, traditional approaches provide established legal certainty in many jurisdictions.
For most people, a thoughtful hybrid approach offers the best solution: using digital estate planning tools for creation, organization, and digital asset management, while ensuring proper legal execution according to local requirements. This approach combines innovation with legal security.
As technology and laws continue to evolve, staying informed about developments in your jurisdiction is essential. Regular reviews and updates of your estate plan, regardless of format, remain the best practice for ensuring your wishes are properly documented and legally enforceable.
The most important consideration isn't the format of your will, but ensuring you have a valid, comprehensive estate plan that accurately reflects your wishes and provides clear guidance to those who will settle your affairs.
Sign up for free today to explore digital tools that can complement your estate planning while maintaining appropriate legal protections for your specific situation.
Planning your will isn’t just about assets — it’s about protecting people, values, and clarity for those you love. Alongside preparing your legal documents, explore advance care planning resources to ensure your healthcare wishes are understood, and find gentle guidance for dementia support when planning for long-term wellbeing. Reflect on what truly matters through family legacy preservation resources, and digitise your legacy with a digital legacy vault that your loved ones can trust.
When the time comes to discuss your decisions, explore nurse information and care advice, and see how advance health directive tools help formalise your choices. For those seeking remembrance, discover thoughtful online tribute options, and read about great digital family legacy tools that make it easy. Begin early, act clearly, and protect your family’s future — peace of mind starts with preparation.
Made with love by the Holistic Legacy Hub