Creating a Will?

[ceeveg]

Could anyone recommend resources to develop a joint will with my spouse, either free or inexpensive resources without having to resort to a lawyer? I've found some forms through Googling, but I want to know that the document will hold up to being contested. We have some significant family issues, and we want to make sure our daughter is safe and protected in the event of our deaths.

[texmati]

I would try and talk with a lawyer if you have any suspicion of it being contested-- esp with kiddos involved.

That being said, some employers have an employee assistance program. Mine offers half an hour of legal services-- that might just be enough to review the documents that you have drawn up yourselves.

[philomom]

I think you'll have to spend the money if you want things more "iron-clad". Our was 1800 dollars last go round. I do have some family members that would try to get my kids just for the nice house and insurance monies. Sad, I know. But I feel much better now.

[AZgirl2207]

Sorry about the family issues--some people just s***. You might check with a local law school. Many have reduced/sliding scale consultations with student lawyers. I have heard that some of the online 'form' wills are not legally binding, so be sure to double check for your state.

[mnnice]

I think actually hiring a lawyer is a good idea. I think we paid less than $500 and actually did some things differently as a result of the consultation with the lawyer.

We also paid about $150 when we changed our minds about who should be the guardians for our kids.

[ceeveg]

Thank you for these suggestions!

[samandhenrysmom]

We used Legal Zoom but ours are very straight forward and would not be contested. It was about $150 for both.

[cristeen]

If you have any fear of it beng contested, or want to request a non-blood relative guardian for your DC, do not attempt it yourself. We have a lawyer drawing up our entire estate plan, wills, PoAs, guardianship docs, trust, etc. They required a $2500 retainer up front and will return the unused portion when it's finished. If everything were straightforward, then you could just prep them yourselves, but when they become complex and may need to stand up in court under intense scrutiny, you need them professionally prepared.

And at least in my state, there's no "joint" will. Each individual has to have their own.

[ceeveg]

I didn't know you couldn't do joint wills in every state! I will definitely check into this! Thank you all SO much!