On Line Will Suggestions

KCJeep

KCJeep

Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
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Mahzurrah!
It's been bothering me for 20 plus years that I don't have a will. I have resolved to finally get it done.

All I want is something simple and legal. I don't own a business anymore, own only the home I live in, kids are all out of the house. It's my understanding it can be done by an online vendor. I've heard of Legal Zoom that's about it, no idea if they are any good.

Any experiences or suggestions? What should I expect to pay? My wife does not work outside the home, but should I get one for her also?

Google is about worthless for looking up for this kind of stuff anymore.

Thanks!
 
If I were you, I would go to a live face to face meeting with a local trust and wills attorney. Its not that more expensive than a software prepared will, and can provide guidance and suggestions.

Moreover, when you croak someday, your executor will need assistance and representation in the probate of your estate. It ain't over when you are over..
 
Why would anyone seek legal advice from an oil forum. Seriously dude....
Just breaking you in for what's to come...🤪😜😛
 
Yeah, if you are lucky enough to have assets, you have responsibility. I need to revise my living trust because things have changed.
I cannot speak to the DIY computer apps. I am curious but will likely go back to the trust lawyer who did mine.

Good luck.
 
Attorney will cost me a little under $300
Plus they filed everything with the courthouse.

Well worth the piece of mind to me.
Plus Daughter went with, so she knew how things will be.
She will also have Power of Attorney over me if required.
 
k1xv said:
If I were you, I would go to a live face to face meeting with a local trust and wills attorney. Its not that more expensive than a software prepared will, and can provide guidance and suggestions.

Moreover, when you croak someday, your executor will need assistance and representation in the probate of your estate. It ain't over when you are over..
Click to expand...
This is the best advice you will get on this board. Also get a POA and health care directives at the same time.
 
You need a trust, not a will.

A will requires your executor to file it with probate court and wait for it to get settled by a judge. Can take a year or more.

A trust allows your assets to be transferred into the designated beneficiary’s name right away, no headache.

The executor of a trust is a trustee, and I am/was the trustee of my grandfather’s trust when he passed. Not that he was some millionaire but I had several assets to transfer around, including his home and the beneficiary of his home had it titled in their name right away.

Just make sure afterwards your home deed is titled to the trust, not to you. Also make sure your homeowner’s insurance has the trust as a named insured as well.

And, put your bank accounts in the name of the trust as well. Otherwise they have to take it to private court. (Unless you have a payable on death set).
 
I need to break down and get a new will also now that the kids are over 18. I better get on that. Last time I checked around here the lawyer said $1200 for basic will. They of course want to get lined up to do all the after work.

I did find a red cross link - but did not try it. Just sharing that it exists. https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/planned-giving/make-a-will.html

I have made sure I have updated beneficiary forms at all my bank and brokerages. I have read on the www (which never lies right?) that beneficiary forms usually take precedence over a will. So in my case that would take care of the bulk of it - except the house.
 
Nick1994 said:
You need a trust, not a will.

A will requires your executor to file it with probate court and wait for it to get settled by a judge. Can take a year or more.

A trust allows your assets to be transferred into the designated beneficiary’s name right away, no headache.

The executor of a trust is a trustee, and I am/was the trustee of my grandfather’s trust when he passed. Not that he was some millionaire but I had several assets to transfer around, including his home and the beneficiary of his home had it titled in their name right away.

Just make sure afterwards your home deed is titled to the trust, not to you. Also make sure your homeowner’s insurance has the trust as a named insured as well.

And, put your bank accounts in the name of the trust as well. Otherwise they have to take it to private court. (Unless you have a payable on death set).
Click to expand...
Though to add, a will is better than nothing. Most states you can just write out your wishes on a piece of paper and sign it. It at least gives your family direction on what you want done. It’s what I have since I don’t own a house yet.
 
Nick1994 said:
You need a trust, not a will.

A will requires your executor to file it with probate court and wait for it to get settled by a judge. Can take a year or more.

A trust allows your assets to be transferred into the designated beneficiary’s name right away, no headache.

The executor of a trust is a trustee, and I am/was the trustee of my grandfather’s trust when he passed. Not that he was some millionaire but I had several assets to transfer around, including his home and the beneficiary of his home had it titled in their name right away.

Just make sure afterwards your home deed is titled to the trust, not to you. Also make sure your homeowner’s insurance has the trust as a named insured as well.

And, put your bank accounts in the name of the trust as well. Otherwise they have to take it to private court. (Unless you have a payable on death set).
Click to expand...
^^^^ This is all good advice, especially if the benefactors will need immediate financial resources to pay for the decedent's funeral expenses. While I don't endorse or use this guy's product, the video does provide a lot of good information in an easy to understand format. It is well worth the time to learn about the legal process/pitfalls and to familiarize yourself with the terminology associated with estate planning.
 
A trust can protect you and your air's while you are living . Need a elder law attorney, do research before hand so you can better understand the lawyer. A good trust is not cheap it takes hours upon hours to set up .
 
Laws vary from different states. Talk to an attorney in your state.

At the bare minimum get your beneficiaries in order on ALL bank / retirement accounts.
 
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