I need to make a will.?

Question

I'm getting married and we both need to make them. I don't want to get one of those PC or DIY packs from newsagents- I have read nothing but bad press about them actually being used as proof of a will. How much would it cost, just a simple one because we don't have very much, with a solicitor? How long will it take and what information do we need to bring (I know solicitors charge by the hour!).

Answer 1

For wills and estate docs they don't charge by the hour. Usually its just a flat fee. While you are there I suggest making all your estate docs. Like a Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Living Will. Just in case you are incapacitated and someone needs to make medical decisions for you. Also, the Living Will will either allow you skip the Terry Shivo drama by not be revived or will allow you to be revived - whichever you want.

It depends on the solicitor as to the cost. I live in the US (OHIO) and the flat fee for the whole estate prep will cost $200. So, it is really worth it!!

Answer 2

You can hand write, (or type and print) your will in your own words. You need 3 witnesses, preferably your age or younger,
not your wife or child (as witness) and it is best to have a notary
certify the signatures of the witnesses.

Also a self proving will makes it easier for the personal representative. (qualify without bond, etc.) and remember, life insurance proceeds you may leave to your heirs are not subject to probate, do not make a mistake and write them into the will.
Leave them out, heirs get the money no questions asked.

If you have time to confirm what I have told you, go to your nearest university, with a law school, look up will formats, etc. in modern legal forms (a set of law books) who provides legal "boilerplate" terminology and forms.

Answer 3

check with some people you know to get a reference to an attorney or solicitor who does wills at reasonable prices. personal recommendation is often the best way to get this type of info. then call and ask what you should bring and what the charge will be.

Answer 4

Do you really need one? Are there kids involved? Are there items you'd want to leave to friends/relatives other than your spouse?

See the attached link - it's a flowchart that tells you where your money will go depending on your circumstances if you don't make a will. If the answer matches what you'd want, then you don't need a will ALTHOUGH it might still speed up the process of settling your estate and minimising the aggro for your partner

http://www.vanderpumpandsykes.co.uk/Doc_library/Intestacy%20.pdf

Answer 5

You don't have to have a lawyer to make a will. My husband is in the military, and we spoke with a JAG (Judge for the Adjutant General) officer. He provided us with a format, I typed it up, and we then had it notarized. He said it would stand in court as proof. We live in Kansas, so laws in other states may be different. I would call the court house and ask to talk to someone who would know what the laws are concerning wills.

Answer 6

In most states, all you have to do is to write out your wishes. They can include your property, funeral arrangements, what if's (ex. children, both deaths, trusts). You don't even have to type it. But once you have it written down, take it to any Notary and they will certify it and that makes it legally binding (IN MOST STATES). Most funeral homes, health departments and even the yellow pages have Notaries. And they usually only charge $5-$10 to notarize something.
Then make your wishes know and get several notarized copies to give to your spouse, parents and even a safe deposit box.
Without a will, most states can decide what happens to your estate, property and/or children.
And keep it updated of any changes.

Answer 7

Fill out a do-it-yourself one & bring it to the lawyer for finalization only. That will reduce the costs, but make it legal at the same time.

Answer 8

i had mine done free of charge as an active military benefit, but unless you have an exceptional amount of assets a fairly generic will should suffice. the legal staff will get your basic info such as who your beneficaries are, and who gets your assets (as a whole) or who gets them if your primary beneficary dies first. if you have children they will also need to be named. it is usually just a fill in the blank process and should cost very little.

Answer 9

Go to a lawyer. Do them at the same time. It shouldn't cost a lot if you don't take too long.

Answer 10

Check into a living trust also - that way if someone dies you don't have to pay estate taxes and such - it will cost about $1000.00 but well worth it - especially when and if you have kids or if you both die together.