2006-12-02 15:20:19 · 6 answers · asked by Sharon W 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You've made a wise decision by deciding to make your will. You'd be surprised at how many people who do not have one. They've always meant to but never got around to doing it. Everyone should have a will. Especially if you have minor children! If you don't and you pass away then everything you have worked so hard for is going to go through Probate Court. (Not to mention you didn't leave instruction on who you would have liked to raise your children) It will then be taxed and an Attorney will have to be hired ...and paid. Your children will end up with a fraction of what they should have had. Sorry for getting off track... NO, You don't need an attorney to write up your will, although it is a good idea to do so. You DO have to have it notarized, signed and dated by 2 witnesses. Also, you should update your will every 3 to 5 years as circumstances change. For instance your children may have been minors at the time your will was drawn up and you have people listed in your will that you wanted to have custody of your minor child. If you don't have it worded exact, then you may lose money, property and so on to that person who you listed. Or maybe one of your children became married. You may want to either add your new in-law or you may not want to. You can protect your child by stating only their name to inherit. If it is inherited then it is not marital property. For any property you can do what is called a Transfer upon Death. The deed to the said automatically transfer to said child's name immediately upon death. No Probate Court and Tax Free..These are just a couple of scenario's. It is just to show you that a will should be updated. I hope it has helped
2006-12-02 16:18:11 · answer #1 · answered by LaurenElyse 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A will written, dated and signed in the testator's handwriting is considered valid in the United States, but check your state laws to insure it. Most states have a form available that can be filled out and witnessed, but don't find one for Missouri.
A quick search on will, missouri, form, will provide a wide variety of formats that can be used.
2006-12-03 09:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by Aggie80 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you do. While living in St. Louis, I had my will written by a lawyer.
If you want a living will, I highly recommend having a lawyer write it, otherwise your wishes might not be enforced later.
In 1994 this cost me about $400.00. Not sure what it will run you today, but I imagine it's not too much more expensive.
2006-12-02 23:24:42 · answer #3 · answered by KERMIT M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While not required, it is advised to ensure your will meets all minimum requirements that Missouri may impose.
2006-12-02 23:41:58 · answer #4 · answered by ballarke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you do that anywhere ,to make sure
,but a hand written will can still be legal without a lawyer,but it needs to be witnessed i think.
2006-12-02 23:28:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No you dont.
Check out the websites below and go to your state.
2006-12-02 23:32:15 · answer #6 · answered by peedeesuave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋