Question about wills

[KimDW]

I was wondering about those computer programs you can buy that have wills, estate planning etc... Are they legal? Are the programs cheaper than a lawyer fee? I was looking into getting a will done by one of the lawyers here in town for my husband and I and it is going to cost me $500, is that alot or is that pretty reasonable. We are 31 years old with no children (don't plan on having any). Since we don't have any kids can we choose charities to give our stuff to (not that we're rolling in it). It's really weird to me having a will done. Any ideas on this?

Kimbra

 

[Timber99]

$500 is very reasonable for an estate plan. You can also call a few different attorneys in your area to compare that price where you live.

You can give your property to anyone that you wish. I know that we set up everything in our family (my brother and I are not yet married) to go to my mom, then each other (or each other's children) and then a charitable organization.

Shy away from computer programs or internet advice. This is a very important document that you will only have to do once (and perhaps update later) and you want it done right. Otherwise, your wishes may not be followed. Programs and internet tend to be more general and may not account for everything, esp. the little quirky state nuances (and every state has a few). I am an attorney (I don't do this type of law) and I have seen many people have issues from using internet programs (not just will ones either but real estate, etc.).

Good Luck
Christine

 

[Maximus]

Yes, it's legal, and I don't know for sure but I can't imagine any attorney would be cheaper than the software.

I worked in a fundraising office for a few years & had to learn a little about this stuff for the planned giving program. Since you don't have any heirs & therefore don't need an estate tax shelter & all the expertise that goes along w/setting them up, you're smart to consider using the software.

 

[candi]

We considered this but, in order to make a will official, it needs to be recorded. This eases probate for everyone. In our state, only a lawyer can get a will recorded.

Because I do have a daughter and she has a family, I wanted to be sure probate was made easier for her. We also had a Living Will, and another document drawn up that gives someone authority to make decisions in situtations where our health is too impaired. I believe the whole shebang for both of us was $800.

We asked about a trust and was told that unless you have assets in excess of $1M, a trust is not necessary.

I wanted peace of mind so I went through a lawyer.

I didn't mind doing my own divorce but the Will situation has me spooked. When our time comes I would hate to feel like things weren't properly taken care of. We've worked to hard all these years to not give this aspect special attention.

 

[KimDW]

Thanks guys for the input. The lawyer I talked to just updated my mom's will so that's why I called her. I need to just do it one way or the other.

Kimbra

 

[hounddogs]

Don't know what state you are in but here in California I just had a will done for my mom by a paralegal. (The law changed and they're called something else, now.) This guy had lots of experience and got us through a tough time in a manner far more user friendly and personal than any encounters I've ever had with an attorney. (No offense to attorneys intended, just that my experiences with them haven't always been positive, and have never been anything but personally intimidating.)Good luck. I need to do this, too. It's definitely weird, but less so since I had this good experience.

--Ann