Can you write a will on your own that will be followed after your death?

Question

I have a friend who is fighting severe heart problems. She wants us to have her son if something happens to her. She cannot afford having a will written by a lawyer. What can she do?

Answer 1

Yes.

Here is a link to information and free forms for creating your own personal last will and testament. I would also recommend having a living will prepared.


http://www.ilrg.com/forms/index.html#estateplanning

Answer 2

You can, but there is never any guarantee that it will be honoured upon your death. I have seen plenty of well drafted wills done by lawyers become challenged for one reason or another. If you are going to write your own will, following a few pointers may help:

1. Keep it simple, too much so and so gets my teaspoon collection will bog down the matters that are of real importance.
2. Always make sure to have at least two witnesses, and make sure their names and contact info are clearly stated. NEVER use a beneficiary or someone you are appoining a legal guardian or executor witness your will.
3. It helps to have one of your witnesses do a sworn affidavit saying that they saw you sign the will, in their presence and that of the other witnesses, that you understood what you were signing are over 18, etc. This affidavit can then be notarized for a nominal cost. (Which is helpful when the testator cannot go to a Notaries office because of illness.)
4. Make some notes to keep with your will about what you think your assets are, why you are leaving out anyone who may likely feel otherwise entitled, why you are giving guardianship to a certain person. Sign this page and keep it with your will and it may be preventative of anyone challengning your wishes after you die.
5. Always initial each page of your will and supporting documents. Have your witnesses do the same.

Answer 3

Yes she only has to write what she wants to be done on a paper and have It notarized, and witnessed by 2 people. My mom did this one year before her death and it stood up legally and could not be contested.

Answer 4

She can write out her last wishes and take them to her personal Bank and with a witness, have the Notary at the Bank stamp it with the Seal of a Notary . Then with the Notary, it is then accepted and will be honored. It is free ! Keep the original and make some copies. She needs to keep the original.

Answer 5

THIS IS NOT LEAGAL ADVICE.
This is only what I have done. I believe it is called a Living Will. The person writes out what they want in the vent ot their death. Their name and that they are of sound mind. (ie. I _____, being of sound mind leave this as my last will....) Then what the person wants.
They sign it and have other people sign it as well. 2 or more. These are referred to as witnesses.

Answer 6

You can write your own will as long as you have it notarized and have a witness. Be sure to make several copies and have them in different places for safe keeping AND make sure that your friends and family know that you have one...it won't do you any good if no one knows you have one or how to find it :)

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

You can get a will kit either online or from an office supply store, fill it out and have it witnessed and notarized, presto! Instant will!

Answer 9

she needs a power of attorney paper given to her from her DR if she already has done that then she should write a letter out stating who she wants to care for her kids and then take it to a notary public place to get stamped,this is a legal way of doing it and cost about $10 at the most,this is how we did it when My mom passed away and she wanted me to care for my little brother and sisters.I'M sorry for your friend I hope she receives a miracle God bless you and her.

Answer 10

She needs to buy a living will kit. You can get them at most attny offices for about $35