Need a recomendation for a credible online will (website) or local attorney who drafts wills (San Antonio: insurance, how much)

[xsa210tx]

Before the end of this year, I am going to be purchasing 500,000 life insurance for myself. I've already shopped around and I know which company I am purchasing it from...I just need to call and get it done. I will list my father as the beneficiary.

Honestly, I'm a little skeptical of online places (would they hold up just fine?) so I need someone who knows of a credible place to get an online standard will form or an affordable local attorney. I will consider both.

I want my Dad's sister (my aunt) to help in the event of my passing as she is very intelligent and knowledgeable. I would need her to help in that process (I will put this in the will that she's a co-executor??) in regards to how much of that money will be distributed to my nieces and nephews (for college), and I want to include a home purchase as well so they'll always have a nice home with bedrooms for all of them individually (5 to 7 bedrooms)

Currently, my Dad has 200,000 in life insurance. I'm the beneficiary. So I need to draw up a will (together with his input) for him in regards to how I will use that money in the event of his passing. So there are two wills that need to be done.

I'm a little bit younger so I will only have to pay $15.75 a month for a 10 year term for 500,000 in life insurance coverage. I'm a nonsmoker, but I do need to get a physical exam (as it is required) and all that so I do know the amount could be higher than $15.75.

[RoamingWolves]

The problem with an online company making a will is that if it is contested there is no one to look to for creating a bad will. Also there is some variance in the state laws that may not be addressed by a website. Find a lawyer you trust and go set one up. We did one and it didn't take but a couple of hours. Didn't really cost that much either. Just have a pretty firm idea of what you want beforehand so you are not wasting your time and money sitting with a lawyer trying to decide who gets what. Many law firms have a flat rate fee for making simple wills. Call around to some of the big firms and ask. They will almost always be willing to give you a quote.

I would also suggest going to the library and making your own. no lawyer is really required

[xsa210tx]

Originally Posted by RoamingWolves

Find a lawyer you trust and go set one up. We did one and it didn't take but a couple of hours. Didn't really cost that much either.

Thanks for your input! Do you remember how much, more or less, it cost?

[cddweller]

Suzie Orman has an online will & trust form. It's cheap and you just have to get it notorized.

Will & Trust Kit : Ultimate Protection Porfolio : Protection Help

I used her kit and got it for free by entering a code, you may be able to do some googling and find a free code as well.

[xsa210tx]

Originally Posted by cddweller

I used her kit and got it for free by entering a code, you may be able to do some googling and find a free code as well.

I googled around and found it: CNBC

It worked! Thanks so much.

[xsa210tx]

Also thanks to ElNina on here who took the time to email some forms that I am checking out as well.

She rocks!

[skeet09]

LegalZoom: Online Legal Document Services: LLC,Wills,Incorporation,Divorce & More is awesome! Used it for my MIL's will and POA. Have received compliments on the look of it. Just enter your info, someone at the company looks at it, then sends it to you. Good luck!

[Macrina]

If you haven't made a final decision yet, check out this site: Broderbund - Official Software Site - Home & Business Lawyer 2010

It's a little more expensive but if you get the CD, then there are all those other forms. This is what I used to write my own will. The software automatically gives you the appropriate form and style for whatever state you list when you start the process. It's very good software, giving you hyper-linked definitions and extra information whenever you need it.

[TexasRedneck]

IIRC, our will cost like $200 to have done by a local, brick-and-mortar attorney. That will protects a decent-sized estate (to us, anyways) - and while I looked at the various online places, one thing I've come to realize over the years is that cheap is....cheap. Maybe it'll pass muster, maybe not - but frankly, is it worth the gamble. It wasn't to me - some of the stuff involved is heirloom items that have no huge street value, but are priceless in terms of family history (items going back 100+ years).
Alan Manka (SA-based attorney) (210-807-8629) did our will for us. He's been our attorney for 20+ years, and has always been beyond fair. There's been times when he could've gotten us for some pretty hefty legal fees, but instead guided us in doing it ourselves because it was relatively simple. At other times, he's referred us to a different attorney because he wasn't "expert" in the issue, and wanted to get us the best. Have never felt "ripped" by any of his fees!

[RoamingWolves]

Just because you asked. it cost about 200 to have 2 wills made from the lawyer we used. But this was not in San Antonio. The previous post is what I would expect.