Wills and Living Wills

[Singleminnie]

Has anyone used a "do it yourself" legal service to create their will? I need to create a new will, and I don't have a lot of extra funds to pay an attorney to write one for me.

 

[OKW mom to 3]

We used LegalZoom.com. It is easy and when DH passed away, I had no issues probating the will. Use your bank for witnesses and notary(they should not charge you and all of them are in one location if you need them later)

 

[Sadie22]

Do-it-yourself forms do not take into account the legal requirements for each state, which may be different. With three children, OP, consulting a good attorney is an investment in their future. Think of it as necessary insurance.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I don't know about your state, but in mine a person can write their will them selves. No legal terms needs, just what your wishes are, and sign it. You can have it notarized just to be on the safe side.

Legalzoom.com is a good website.

 

[Disney1976]

Do-it-yourself forms do not take into account the legal requirements for each state, which may be different. With three children, OP, consulting a good attorney is an investment in their future. Think of it as necessary insurance.

I second this, as an attorney who has handled estate planning and probate issues. Not only are there potential legal issues, but every person's situation is different. A Will may not be the best option for the OP. As to a Living Will, the language in such a document is very specific.

I would NOT encourage a non-lawyer to write a legal document such as a Will themselves. That's not a knock on people who aren't lawyers, or a way to drive money to my colleagues--the reality is that attorneys have studied for years and know the proper terminology, and drafting documents yourself, you run the risk of a document being declared invalid. I once met with a person who tried to write their own Health Care Surrogate, and it was a disaster. But, they wouldn't take my advice as to why it would not hold up in a court of law....

There are also usually specific requirements that need to be followed in terms of how a Will must be signed/witnessed, or there could be issues with probating the Will.

OP, check with your state's bar association for a lawyer referral. You can usually get an initial consultation for a small fee this way.

 

[Singleminnie]

Thanks for all your suggestions! In discussion with a friend, I need to make sure my will has Grandparents' rights for my family as I learned my ex told someone that he would make sure my parents would never get to see my girls if I died! Yeah, I know he is an a**! So I will be contacting an atty very soon!