Author Topic: Cheapest place to get a Will done?  (Read 5249 times)

fiveoh

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Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« on: April 18, 2016, 01:46:02 PM »
I was going to use legal zoom which is $60.  Is there a cheaper way to get a will?  Sorry if this has been asked, the search function isn't working for me.

themagicman

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2016, 01:49:46 PM »
following

fiveoh

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2016, 02:04:14 PM »
Can I print out a form online and fill it out and sign or do I need to get an attorney involved for it to be legal?

robartsd

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2016, 02:14:22 PM »
You don't need a lawyer to make it legal. You don't even need the form from a legal form service. You need a lawyer to help you avoid making mistakes. What seems like a simple will to you may not be interpreted as you intend after you pass; a lawyer would help make sure the language will be interpreted as you intend (or help you understand the laws that limit you from doing exactly as you wish and present options that get you as close as possible). If you like the idea of your intentions being interpreted by a stranger with not chance of a feedback loop, you don't need a lawyer.

naners

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2016, 03:20:38 PM »
A few months ago I asked about whether it was necessary to get an attorney for a will. The resounding answer was that if there are kids or other complexities in the mix, get a lawyer.

K-Dogg

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2016, 05:55:20 PM »
An estate lawyer told me people can just go to a notary. Don't get a will kit. It may or not be legal depending on new legislation. Also there is a strong difference between legal and good. Go for good.

bobechs

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2016, 05:58:15 PM »
I'll write you a will.  A dammned good will.

And if you make me your sole heir I'll do it for free.

onecoolcat

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2016, 06:04:56 PM »
The formalities of making a valid will are highly state specific and the consequences of getting poor legal advice online can be devastating.  I would highly recommend seeing a local attorney.

Urchina

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2016, 10:14:26 PM »
Nolo press publishes great legal self-help books, including one for writing a will / estate planning.  I used it to educate myself before speaking with an attorney; I figured it saved me at least $300 in legal fees.

MayDay

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2016, 06:13:32 AM »
A few months ago I asked about whether it was necessary to get an attorney for a will. The resounding answer was that if there are kids or other complexities in the mix, get a lawyer.

Ditto.

If you have anything complex, get state-specific legal help.

fiveoh

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #10 on: April 19, 2016, 06:49:42 AM »
Nothing too complex but I do have a few kids.  Basically just want to say kids are going here and my assets go there as well until the kids are adults.  I'll see if I can find a friend of a friend thats an attorney locally I guess. 

acroy

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #11 on: April 19, 2016, 07:19:04 AM »
The formalities of making a valid will are highly state specific and the consequences of getting poor legal advice online can be devastating.  I would highly recommend seeing a local attorney.
^^^ this
Varies a LOT state to state. Find out what the local state guidelines are. For instance, in TX by default, the assets go 100% to the spouse, then to the kids.

Giro

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #12 on: April 19, 2016, 07:36:50 AM »
Start by looking up your state laws.  If you can figure out how your state divides property and do a lot of the work yourself and have everything you want specified, you'll save money on the attorney.

For us, everything that can be assigned a beneficiary was and the rest was put in the will.  It was not really that difficult but we did have a great attorney.  If you are military (active, retired, etc) the nearest base will do one for you for free.


Trudie

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2016, 10:26:29 AM »
Check the website of the state bar association in the state where you live.  Often they have pro-forma formats and advice.

With that said, we've always paid an attorney.  It hasn't been significantly more.  I'd skimp on something else.  Pay a lawyer.

BFGirl

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2016, 10:46:02 AM »
Get a lawyer!!  When I was in private practice, I made more money off estates that used a "form" will than I did off of ones that were drafted by an attorney.  If you don't pay for an attorney now, your family will pay more later to clean up the mess.

ToeInTheWater

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #15 on: April 19, 2016, 11:00:21 AM »
depending on your family situation, you may need more than just a will

power of atty (both a "regular" one and a "medical one")
living will (where you can spell out what you'd want, or that you're leaving the decision up to the person you've designated)

we had ours done recently, using a lawyer.  $350 for DW's and mine.

b

Drifterrider

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Re: Cheapest place to get a Will done?
« Reply #16 on: April 19, 2016, 11:31:40 AM »
I was going to use legal zoom which is $60.  Is there a cheaper way to get a will?  Sorry if this has been asked, the search function isn't working for me.
Are you knowledgeable enough to do your own medical procedures?  Would you do your own dental procedures?  Do you know the laws of your jurisdiction (and I mean KNOW them)?

You might not want to go "cheap" on this.