Writing a personal will? (Raleigh, Durham: 2015, refinance, attorney)

[gcretro]

In a casual conversation with friends, I heard about the need to write a personal will.

We are a family of three (with a toddler). Among other things, we want to provide instructions on who will take care of my kid etc. (I am told that if there is no will, the state would become the legal guardian?)

Any points on how to go about this appreciated. Also the costs?

thanks.

[carolinadawg2]

If your situation is fairly simple and straightforward (which it sounds like it is) you can do it yourself with something like nolo.com:

Quicken WillMaker Plus - 2016 Edition - Nolo

Or, you can have a local attorney do it for a couple of hundred bucks.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by carolinadawg2

If your situation is fairly simple and straightforward (which it sounds like it is) you can do it yourself with something like nolo.com:

Quicken WillMaker Plus - 2016 Edition - Nolo

Or, you can have a local attorney do it for a couple of hundred bucks.

It is probably worth it to start with WillMaker anyway. If you do decide to go with a lawyer, it will have saved you time/money by forcing you to think through the many decisions involved.

[wake74]

I'd vote to pay an attorney a few hundred bucks to do this for you. We did it after having our first child. There are some tax implications at certain estate value thresholds the attorney can help you with you, set-up trusts, etc. Guardianship and trust management are different people in our case. Also a good time for them to complete the various types of POAs for you and your wife.

[gcretro]

Through my employer, for about 16.5 bucks a month (200 a year) , I can sign up for Hyatt legal plan that provide legal services for various things.

Reviews on the seem mixed. Just wonder if any of you have any experience?

[don6170]

Originally Posted by wake74

There are some tax implications at certain estate value thresholds the attorney can help you with

For 2015, the estate tax exemption amount is $5.43 million. If the OP is in that exclusive class, they definitely should not be using WillMaker !

[pitroad]

I used LegalZoom .... LegalZoom | Start a Business, Protect Your Family: LLC Wills Trademark Incorporate & More Online

[bluecomet]

free will maker: https://www.rocketlawyer.com/sem/Com...FcUTHwod-WkBWQ

[Sweetelf]

Originally Posted by gcretro

Through my employer, for about 16.5 bucks a month (200 a year) , I can sign up for Hyatt legal plan that provide legal services for various things.

Reviews on the seem mixed. Just wonder if any of you have any experience?

I participate in a Hyatt plan via my employer. It paid for itself last year when I used it for a speeding ticket in Virginia and to have my will/POA done. But I haven't used it at all this year, although I may yet refinance and it will cover attorney fees for that.

I probably won't opt for it next year.

[Heater454]

I have two women attorney friends, one in Raleigh and one in Durham, who meet with people in the comfort of their homes to handle living wills, powers of attorney, etc. Not sure their rates. Send me a DM if you are interested.