In Tennessee, is there a way to have a Will drawn up, without needing a lawyer? Are the "kits" legitimite?

Question

Someone was asking me about this. There is not a lot of land or valuable involved, but there is this lady that I know, who has 3 children. Two of which are trouble makers & drug addicts. She's wanting to draw up a Will, allowing the one child (with the responsibility) to be able to decide what is to be done w/what she does have when she is gone (which is pretty much just things like furniture). If nothing is drawn up, then the other two children will cause big arguments over this & she knows it. I don't know if those "Will kits" that you see, that can be bought, are real. She needs something that she can sign, giving the rights to the one child to decide everything or to flat out put her wishes in it, but it has to be legal. She can't afford a lawyer & doesn't really own anything valuable enough to need a lawyer. All honest answers are appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

THe kits are legal in most states; just as yu can download a blank will for most states from the interenet for free. Call the probate office in the county she lives in and ask if a self-drawn will is acceptable for probate. Let her name the individual she wants in charge to be named executor and sole arbiter of what funds are to go to which heris; she should lay out a guideline of her general wishes. Have it witnessed as the clerk suggests and notarized; keep copy with her papers and with the executor to be.

Answer 2

For a simple will with no complications, an "off the shelf" will kit will be perfectly good enough.

She could even just type one up on her own, but a commercial kit will have instructions on things like appointing an executor, how mnay witnesses your State needs, etc etc etc.

Richard

Answer 3

a will can be hand written by the person drawing up the will.
She would need to date it, making plain her wishes, she should take it to where she banks and they usually have a notary she should sign it before the notary, so that the notary can witness her signature. She should then take it to her local court house and for a few dollars have it recorded by the clerk, making sure she keeps a copy for her records.

the will kits are legitimate, but then again, they have to be signed and witnessed.

Answer 4

Try Legalzoom.com they will tell you what kits are legal and not depending on the state.