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Looking at these costs impels me to ask what you all think of software like Will Maker or other software for making your own will? I mean that we, and many others, can’t afford those prices. What do we do?
I posted earlier. I used Willmaker for all of our documents (Will, Healthcare POA, and Financial POA). We didn't need a trust. I thought for us it was a great option. Brought two witnesses to come with us to our bank and got everything notorized.
OP, only 2K.
That's a steal compared to what I paid (in the DC area) 20 years ago.
Will, POA, Medical Directive (living will).
Simple estate. Single, no kids, everything split among siblings.
Also, less than what we paid individually for my mom and my aunt's will, POA, Living Will (in the Phila area) 18 years ago. That was with a firm that specialized in elder care law, asset protection, Medicaid issues, special needs trusts, etc. Came highly recommended as being among THE best.
OP, only 2K.
That's a steal compared to what I paid (in the DC area) 20 years ago.
Will, POA, Medical Directive (living will).
Simple estate. Single, no kids, everything split among siblings.
Also, less than what we paid individually for my mom and my aunt's will, POA, Living Will (in the Phila area) 18 years ago. That was with a firm that specialized in elder care law, asset protection, Medicaid issues, special needs trusts, etc. Came highly recommended as being among THE best.
No one should hire the "best" and expect to get a bargain doing so. If you think you need the equivalent of Perry Mason to draw your will and estate planning documents than hire him, but no one should complain when it is expensive. Other lawyers who are competent will do it for less.
I still haven't gotten around to doing a will - maybe I'll live forever - ha ha... but when I do I'll probably use legalzoom.
not surprised
it isnt surprising you neglect what could be the bigger issues to instead focus on trading where you can make 50 bucks .
these are just simple examples of where the big stuff and bigger dollars get passed on to go for the smaller stuff or potentially paper work that can cost a whole lot more if it isnt done right.
no one really cares what you do , but we all see the same pitfalls you make while still trying to claim you have a solid plan
Last edited by mathjak107; 01-23-2024 at 04:43 AM..
My advice is talk to multiple attorneys and compare prices. I wouldn't be afraid to tell Attorney B that Attorney A offered to do it for a certain price and ask them if they can beat that price. If you are leaving behind a home you can probably afford a charge of under $2,000. Again, charges will vary depending on what you what want. If it is just a simple will it should be fairly cheap. If you are going to have 10 different bequests in that will its not a simple will and it will cost more. If you are creating both a trust and a will its going to cost more. If you want a will, trust, power of attorney, and and an advanced care directive than it may well go over $2,000.
There is a saying that "a person who represents himself has a fool for a client." (that includes preparing your own legal documents)
I get that. I can’t just come up with 2 or more grand like that. I’’ve got save up for it. I hope I live long enough to save enough to pay for it all.
Thanks, though, for the advice. It is very helpful. Same with the others who replied to my question.
it isnt surprising you neglect what could be the bigger issues to instead focus on trading where you can make 50 bucks .
these are just simple examples of where the big stuff and bigger dollars get passed on to go for the smaller stuff or potentially paper work that can cost a whole lot more if it isnt done right.
no one really cares what you do , but we all see the same pitfalls you make while still trying to claim you have a solid plan
Never adding anything of value but commenting negatively about the facts as presented
There is no one here who can dispute the pitfalls that poster has fallen to over and over by dealing with the small stuff while the big stuff slides by
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