Everyone have a will?

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Mar 17, 2021 9:38 PM

For anyone that has a will, how old were you when you had it written up? Anyone get one online? LegalZoom seems like it would be good enough, and the pricing seems fine for the convenience.


gerb131 Senior Member
9,982 posts 25 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Mar 17, 2021 9:55 PM

yes. drawn up about 3 years ago updated once since. paid a local attorney I’m unfortunately familiar with 

33,369 posts 132 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 12:05 AM

Yep. We got it done when my wife was expecting our first (so 2.5-3 years ago, aged 31 and 29). Father is an attorney, and set us up with his. It's simple enough, but also complicated enough that I would get a lawyer well versed in it. Especially if you have lots of assets and potentially different people making decisions in the event of a hospital visit where you aren't making the calls.

BR1986FB Senior Member
27,923 posts 123 reps Joined Feb 2010
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 8:44 AM

Yes. Did the online deal. Think it was Legal Zoom.

8,788 posts 20 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 9:00 AM

Yes. I've had two family members who have passed away, one just last year, that did not have one, and it was hell to settle the estate. It was a great reminder to get my shit in order, 

QuakerOats Senior Member
11,701 posts 66 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 9:54 AM
posted by justincredible

For anyone that has a will, how old were you when you had it written up? Anyone get one online? LegalZoom seems like it would be good enough, and the pricing seems fine for the convenience.

would not go that route unless you have few assets and are single and......

QuakerOats Senior Member
11,701 posts 66 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 10:04 AM

I would recommend using a good estate planning and probate attorney.  If you have a relatively low amount of assets you can get by with a Will, a Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, and the related medical issues doc's - DNR orders etc...   [If you have a large amount of assets and a large family you may want to go the Trust route]. 

As part of the  process have all your financial accounts (bank accounts, IRA's, Trusts, investment/brokerage accounts) be titled, or include, with TOD designations (Transfer on Death, to a named beneficiary(s)) so that most or all of your assets can transfer directly to your designees without having to go through probate, which is costly and time consuming.  This would include changing the deed to your home to also be TOD.  This way, your assets transfer directly as specified, without probate, and then your Will basically just becomes a 'catch-all' to transfer anything that you missed with a TOD designation.  If structured properly with the help of a good estate attorney and your own titling of your accounts, then little to nothing would have to go through probate. 

And at some point, let those who will be responsible for handling your affairs know where everything is and how you have things structured.

iclfan2 Reppin' the 330/216/843
9,465 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 10:12 AM

I've been meaning to get one, but the last attorney I went to wanted to charge $4k, which seemed quite steep for such a non complex transaction. I should probably get back looking for other options.

Fletch Member
0 posts 3 reps Joined Nov 2020
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 5:20 PM

As I accumulate wealth more and more I need one for sure

QuakerOats Senior Member
11,701 posts 66 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Mar 18, 2021 6:13 PM
posted by iclfan2

I've been meaning to get one, but the last attorney I went to wanted to charge $4k, which seemed quite steep for such a non complex transaction. I should probably get back looking for other options.

If you are not going the Trust route, you should be able to get it done for around $1,200 ............... Will; POA; Living Will; DNR's etc..... and you can change your financial accounts to TOD yourself etc.... 

ernest_t_bass 12th Son of the Lama
26,698 posts 204 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Mar 19, 2021 9:23 AM

Anyone else have experience with cost?  My wife left me, but we're still married.  If and when the separation becomes a dissolution (please no divorce), I will want to look into this, and remove all claims to my assets she may have.  

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Mar 19, 2021 9:54 AM
posted by ernest_t_bass

Anyone else have experience with cost?  My wife left me, but we're still married.  If and when the separation becomes a dissolution (please no divorce), I will want to look into this, and remove all claims to my assets she may have.  

Damn, sorry to hear it. Hope everything works out in your favor.

Login

Register

Already have an account? Login