Will Kits?

[nunzia]

The thread on wills has me wondering about where to find decent Will Kits. Our estate is pretty simple, so I don't see a need for a lawyer. I've thought of Legal Zoom, but a kit shouuld work fine and also be cheaper. Anyone know of any?

 

[Disney1976]

My suggestion as an estate planning attorney would be to spend the few extra dollars and have a lawyer do it. Even if your estate is small now, you don't know what it will be when you pass. Will kits are very general and may not meet your needs; they may also not comply with the requirements of your state's laws (for instance, I am handling a probate estate where the will, which was a "do it yourself" type was not witnessed properly, resulting in extra work and expense because I had to locate a witness). Also, sites like Legal Zoom skate under the "legal radar." While the forms may in fact be drafted by a lawyer, does that mean a lawyer from your state, familiar with your laws, or just any attorney? What if you don't understand some of the terminology? What if you have additional questions?

Many estate planning lawyers will meet with you for free if you plan to do your documents with them, too. You can research attorneys on websites such as www.martindale.com or www.lawyers.com or contact your state Bar Association -many have lawyer referral services.

 

[Tiggerish]

I would go to my local library and check out what books that they have with the forms and instructions for writing your own will. That way you can decide if it is something you want to try on your own without having spent any money.

 

[deerhart]

please please please at least talk to an attorney and yes I am an attorney so of course my advice is biased BUT..

MANY MANY MANY people have no clue about estate law and what can/can't be done even with small estates.

I also find that a person's idea of a small estate and what a true small estate is under the law are two vastly different things.

A good attorney will be able to walk you through a lot of possibilities, including discussions on how you have property titled and how that will effect your estate. What happens when the 1st spouse dies for the 2nd spouse etc..

Further, if you have children, you need to have a frank discussion with an attorney regarding distribution for the children, guardianship, life insurance etc..

I've had too many clients in my office who come in saying they have a simple estate and leave my office looking at decisions they never even thought of.

I know around here it is about $150-$200 per person for a will and usually about $300 per person for a will, poa and health directive. It is really not a lot of money to make sure it is done correctly versus the huge legal mess and much higher costs in fees to your estate if it's not.