Let's talk wills...

ladybugg82

Since having Austin, I think that DH and I need to buckle down and get a will put together. God forbid something happen to us, I want to make sure that everything is taken care of.

If you have a will, how did you go about making it? Did you use a lawyer or make it yourself? If you made it yourself could be please share how you went about making it.

lindeenwedding

I was just thinking about this yesterday, I need to get on this.

Ms.Beachbum08

This has been a huge topic at work now that we are all married and have kids.  However, I still haven't done it.  It is going to be interesting for me to hear what you girls think.

MrsAzull

lindeenwedding:

I was just thinking about this yesterday, I need to get on this.

this. thanks for asking this Nicole, can't wait to see what people say.

Lisa7

I need to get on this too. Interested to see how you can do it on your own.

Buttercup29

Not speaking from personal experience, my SIL got one done last year. They actually went through someone recommended through their church. It was an accountant of sorts. She said it was easy peasy. We are thinking that once the bean gets here - we'll need to get one too. 

Butterflie6381

When I worked at the bank, I learned this about wills -

There are templates you can get at office max/ staples/etc to get you started.  Some are simple papers, some are software.  I think Suze Orman even offers one, for example. 

To be legal, it needs to be 'witnessed' ie signed by two people who both know you to be of 'sound mind' when you make the will.   Those two people should not be named in the will as beneficiaries of any sort (like you are giving them anything) You can have the will notarized also/ instead, and this costs around $5. 

A will should be kept in a safe place, and your family should know where it is in case of an emergency. Otherwise, it doesn't really do any good.

I think that your assests are what really dictates how simple or complex your will needs to be and whether you need a lawyer.

It is also a good idea when doing a will to also discuss organ donation, DNR wishes, funeral/final arrangements and such.  Its is a lot easier for you/your family to make these choices when healthy. Also, if you decide for yourself, it takes a tremendous burden off your loved ones having to guess for you, if the situation should arise. 

A will should list all property owned, all bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and insurance policies, plus and valuables.  Yes, the property may already be deeded in such a way to determine who the successor will be, but it helps to have everyone place.  Ditto with the bank accounts and insurance policies. Plus it can name an executor (one single person who is in charge) and any final wishes (like scatter my ashes at sea)

If you think it would be easier to have someone help you, your bank (if you like them) would most likely have a relationship with an estate lawyer.  Also, your local chamber of commerce can be a good reference, besides just picking a name out of the yellow pages. HTH

MrsAzull

Butterflie6381:

When I worked at the bank, I learned this about wills -

There are templates you can get at office max/ staples/etc to get you started.  Some are simple papers, some are software.  I think Suze Orman even offers one, for example. 

To be legal, it needs to be 'witnessed' ie signed by two people who both know you to be of 'sound mind' when you make the will.   Those two people should not be named in the will as beneficiaries of any sort (like you are giving them anything) You can have the will notarized also/ instead, and this costs around $5. 

A will should be kept in a safe place, and your family should know where it is in case of an emergency. Otherwise, it doesn't really do any good.

I think that your assests are what really dictates how simple or complex your will needs to be and whether you need a lawyer.

It is also a good idea when doing a will to also discuss organ donation, DNR wishes, funeral/final arrangements and such.  Its is a lot easier for you/your family to make these choices when healthy. Also, if you decide for yourself, it takes a tremendous burden off your loved ones having to guess for you, if the situation should arise. 

A will should list all property owned, all bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and insurance policies, plus and valuables.  Yes, the property may already be deeded in such a way to determine who the successor will be, but it helps to have everyone place.  Ditto with the bank accounts and insurance policies. Plus it can name an executor (one single person who is in charge) and any final wishes (like scatter my ashes at sea)

If you think it would be easier to have someone help you, your bank (if you like them) would most likely have a relationship with an estate lawyer.  Also, your local chamber of commerce can be a good reference, besides just picking a name out of the yellow pages. HTH

Thanks Renee, great information.

ladybugg82

Butterflie6381:

When I worked at the bank, I learned this about wills -

There are templates you can get at office max/ staples/etc to get you started.  Some are simple papers, some are software.  I think Suze Orman even offers one, for example. 

To be legal, it needs to be 'witnessed' ie signed by two people who both know you to be of 'sound mind' when you make the will.   Those two people should not be named in the will as beneficiaries of any sort (like you are giving them anything) You can have the will notarized also/ instead, and this costs around $5. 

A will should be kept in a safe place, and your family should know where it is in case of an emergency. Otherwise, it doesn't really do any good.

I think that your assests are what really dictates how simple or complex your will needs to be and whether you need a lawyer.

It is also a good idea when doing a will to also discuss organ donation, DNR wishes, funeral/final arrangements and such.  Its is a lot easier for you/your family to make these choices when healthy. Also, if you decide for yourself, it takes a tremendous burden off your loved ones having to guess for you, if the situation should arise. 

A will should list all property owned, all bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and insurance policies, plus and valuables.  Yes, the property may already be deeded in such a way to determine who the successor will be, but it helps to have everyone place.  Ditto with the bank accounts and insurance policies. Plus it can name an executor (one single person who is in charge) and any final wishes (like scatter my ashes at sea)

If you think it would be easier to have someone help you, your bank (if you like them) would most likely have a relationship with an estate lawyer.  Also, your local chamber of commerce can be a good reference, besides just picking a name out of the yellow pages. HTH

Thanks for the info Renee!!!

dexspsandqs

Renne covered it much more extensively than I could but we went through our lawyer and did both a traditional will or division of assets/ guardianship and a living will.

These can vary by state I am guessing..

Eleise96

You may want to check with your life insurance agent---if you have one.  I just bought a supplemental policy through Hartford Life and they offer a free will-writing service. 

Lisa7

Thanks for the info ladies!