How can I make a will completely free of charge?

Question

Everywhere the begging, grasping hands come out when I say that I want to make my will.

Answer 1

You can go to a stationery store for the proper form and do it yourself. When you divide up your monetary assets, do not use dollar amounts--use percentages. Property is delineated by the individual's name.

Answer 2

Every state has different will requirements. Most states seem to require that the will be in writing (doesn't have to be your own handwriting, can be typed) and witnessed by at least two (2) witnesses. Generally, the witnesses have to be people who will not be inheriting anything through the will. Use a search engine to find out what the requirements in your state are. You can probably find sites that will show you all your state's laws if you search for your state's "statutes." (e.g. just put "Kansas statutes" if you live in Kansas)

However, I do suggest you call around town and see what attorney's charge for doing a will. Some parts of the country have high prices, other have amazingly reasonable prices.

The reason I suggest you see an attorney is that you spent a lifetime accumulating what you own. Isn't it worth a hundred dollars or three hundred dollars to insure that all this property goes to the people that you want to have it?

If you make an error in doing your own will, it might be declared invalid and then the property is distibuted like you died without a will.

Now, before you do your will, give good thought to who you pick as your Executor (or Executrix, if female) or who is designated "Personal Representative." That's the person who collects whatever money is owed you when you die (e.g. the last paycheck), pays whatever you owe others (e.g. last utility bills, credit cards, etc.) and then enforces the will. If you have greedy relatives that are likely to drive up to your house with a U-Haul and help themselves before your body is cold, then you need a strong Personal Representative that can say "Give that back, that's not yours, you greedy vultures!" and who will make sure it goes to the person you designated.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My lawyer charged me $50 to do my will. He pointed out some technical details that I would not have thought of, so it was worth it to me to have it done by the "letter of the law." You can make additions to it specifying, say, which pieces of jewelry or objects of art you want to go to whom. It was reassuring to know it was all done up good and proper!

Answer 4

I just baught the Suzie Orman will and trust kit for $13.00 it has everything you need to make a legal will and trust.

Answer 5

A holographic will is legal. That means you write it all in your own hand and have three witnesses to it.

Answer 6

make your own...put it on a disc with a letter attached, take it to a solicitor and have them keep it for you until your time comes....give them the details to where and who you would like this will to go to....thats the easy way

Answer 7

If you do it by hand, I would also have it notorized.