Is there any way to write a will without having to pay for it or at least obtain a 'cheap' service?

Question

I would like to have a will written so that I am no longer an intestate. The thing is, I have to pay for it and if I can avoid paying, I would really like that. So, is there any way of having a will written without having to pay or get it written cheaply?

thanx

Answer 1

Yes there is. You can obtain the wording from the post office and then write what you like. I think it only costs £2.00 or so.

Answer 2

There are a number of options where you can complete a will for little money or even free and many have been identified here in other messages. However, that isn’t the question you should be asking, most of these are valid only in the most simplest of wills. Say where you are leaving every thing to s single child or something like that.

If on the other hand, there is any complexity of executing your will, having an attorney do it for you may save lots of money.

You can help by doing some ground work.
List everything you have.
If possible establish a value of the listed item.
Define what you want done with each item.
List all of those who might feel that they have some reason to expect something from your estate.
Of the those you have listed, detail what they shall receive (or not receive) from your estate.
Shop around for an attorney to place this list in a final form for your estate.

Answer 3

Trying to write your own will isn't all that much different that changing the oil on your own car. You might have the skills to do it. But do you know the right kind of oil and filter? Do you know how to properly and legally dispose of the oil? How much is your time worth research all of this and then doing it? Did you cover all the proper procedures?

Consulting a local attorney might be less than you think. A qualified attorney can advise you on the alternatives to a will such as a living trust. And contrary to what others have suggested here, it is not as simple as download some software or getting a will notarized. Proper estate planning involves a discussion of tax consequences and many other issues you should consider like a living will. Do you remember Terry Schiavo, don't you? An attorney can help you address ALL of the important issues, not just who gets what when you die.

Answer 4

You can write your own will. There's no law against doing so. However, you do want to save your executor and the beneficiaries the embarrasment and inconvenience of finding that the will is not specific enough.

There is plenty of free advice on the Internet and there are books you can buy. You could also contact your bank (who will probably be where you deposit the will, anyway).

You can, of course, pay a lot for someone to write a will for you but I think you will find that for someone to agree to check over what you have written and advise on the wording will cost about £25 - £30 and will save your estate easily that much in possible disputes.

So don't be a meanie if you care for those who will inherit .

Answer 5

You need to find out what your state requires from a will. If they recognize "holographic wills", there are some things you will need to make sure you do (your own handwriting, signed, dated, etc). Depending on the size of your estate, you should be able to find an attorney that would draw up a proper will for between $99 and $500. It is the better option if you want to make sure your wishes are followed. Call around in your area (if you haven't already). Call your state's bar association. If you're a senior citizen, you may have some legal aid programs around that cater to what you're looking for. If there's a law school in your area... call there. They may run a legal aid program like that.

Answer 6

You don't have to pay for a will. You can go to WH smiths and buy a will form for a few pounds. Then you just fill it in and then get 2 witness' to sign it (they can't be related to you or have anything to do with the will.) Then tell a member of your family where it is and leave it in a safe place.

Answer 7

If you research online you'll find numerous guides to writing a binding will, all you need to do after you write it is take it to a notary and have it stamped and witnessed, I did mine this same way years ago and had it checked by a lawyer about 2 years ago, he told me it was still a binding will, even tho my wording could have left a question or 2 if someone contested the will.

Answer 8

I don't know where you live, but in England the post office have will forms together with full instructions, also many bank accounts have a free will writing service, or you could try the citizens advice bureau and I know Age concern give advice.

Answer 9

Trying to write your own will is like trying to give yourself an operation. Let a professional wills and estates attorney handle it. If not you may end up with a will that cannot even be probated or will be challenged or not even fit your exact wishes.

Answer 10

You can go to a lawyer and make out a BASIC will; which means everything goes to your "estate", and name an executor. This part costs money, (varies from state to state) You can make out an itemized list and have it notarized with you and your executors names signed to it and just attach it to your will that you had done with your lawyer. Or just give it all away now. Can't take it w/you.

Answer 11

the best will you could EVER possibly have is a "holographic" will. which means handwritten and hand signed with YOUR signature. i promise you, you can check with any court system in the US and they will tell you that a holographic will verified with your signature will overturn any other will that you might have. it can be on any piece of notebook paper that you have around your house. the legal system does not want you to think that you can do these kind of things because they lose money. check it out really!!!!