Is there someplace on line that can guide you through some of these documents or is it better to visit an attorney... I was reading through and it boggles my mind (maybe because as of the moment we only have a dog and car in complete ownership...)
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if you're just trying to do a basic will or something like that you can download/buy online a kit typically & fill it in yourself. then have it notarized.
I'm not sure which post this is a s/o of, so I don't know if I'm fully answering your question but I'll try. As a lawyer, I will always advise someone to speak to a lawyer. Some of the kits that are out there may not be up-to-date, which would be a risk.
That said, I know that lawyers can be expensive, so I understand not wanting to use one. If you have a complicated situation or if you have a fair amount of money that you are dealing with (including what you or your LO might be entitled to from life insurance), I would absolutely speak to an attorney. If there isn't much in the way of property, and you are mostly just doing a will to appoint a guardian, eh . . .. BUT I would make sure that your other papers are in order (that is, you should have a health care proxy/living will and a durable power of attorney if you do not already, and if you are lacking those things, you may as well get a lawyer anyway). To find an inexpensive attorney, I'd call your local bar association and see they can recommend a reasonably priced trusts and estates attorney.
Oh, and FWIW, in most states the court determines who is appointed as the guardian of your child - they consider your wishes, but ultimately it is determined by the court. That way, if it's been 10 years since you updated your will, and in the meantime Uncle Bobby has become a heroin addict, he doesn't end up with your kid.
Please speak with an attorney who is properly trained in preparing these very important documents. I would never ever recommend some online program or "kit" for something this serious.
I'm not sure which post this is a s/o of, so I don't know if I'm fully answering your question but I'll try. As a lawyer, I will always advise someone to speak to a lawyer. Some of the kits that are out there may not be up-to-date, which would be a risk.
That said, I know that lawyers can be expensive, so I understand not wanting to use one. If you have a complicated situation or if you have a fair amount of money that you are dealing with (including what you or your LO might be entitled to from life insurance), I would absolutely speak to an attorney. If there isn't much in the way of property, and you are mostly just doing a will to appoint a guardian, eh . . .. BUT I would make sure that your other papers are in order (that is, you should have a health care proxy/living will and a durable power of attorney if you do not already, and if you are lacking those things, you may as well get a lawyer anyway). To find an inexpensive attorney, I'd call your local bar association and see they can recommend a reasonably priced trusts and estates attorney.
Oh, and FWIW, in most states the court determines who is appointed as the guardian of your child - they consider your wishes, but ultimately it is determined by the court. That way, if it's been 10 years since you updated your will, and in the meantime Uncle Bobby has become a heroin addict, he doesn't end up with your kid.
Thanks, I guess I really don't know where to start but will look into a trusts and estates attorney once we get some more organized.
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Re: S/O Legal Matters
I'm not sure which post this is a s/o of, so I don't know if I'm fully answering your question but I'll try. As a lawyer, I will always advise someone to speak to a lawyer. Some of the kits that are out there may not be up-to-date, which would be a risk.
That said, I know that lawyers can be expensive, so I understand not wanting to use one. If you have a complicated situation or if you have a fair amount of money that you are dealing with (including what you or your LO might be entitled to from life insurance), I would absolutely speak to an attorney. If there isn't much in the way of property, and you are mostly just doing a will to appoint a guardian, eh . . .. BUT I would make sure that your other papers are in order (that is, you should have a health care proxy/living will and a durable power of attorney if you do not already, and if you are lacking those things, you may as well get a lawyer anyway). To find an inexpensive attorney, I'd call your local bar association and see they can recommend a reasonably priced trusts and estates attorney.
Oh, and FWIW, in most states the court determines who is appointed as the guardian of your child - they consider your wishes, but ultimately it is determined by the court. That way, if it's been 10 years since you updated your will, and in the meantime Uncle Bobby has become a heroin addict, he doesn't end up with your kid.
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Thanks, I guess I really don't know where to start but will look into a trusts and estates attorney once we get some more organized.