Has anyone prepared their own wills? Called a lawyer and they wanted like 700 dollars. Looking at the law, it appears as though I can write pretty much whatever I want, and fill out http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_31/gs_31-11.6.html to follow it and it's good. Anyone had experience with this?

8/2/2011 2:08:10 PM

^ That's pretty much what I did and got it notarized for good measure. Screw paying a lawyer $texas to do it for me

8/2/2011 2:20:37 PM

If you live in South Carolina I'll do it for $300.

But for real...there's nothing wrong with doing it yourself when you're younger and don't have a lot of complicated stuff you have to worry about putting in there. But the older you get, the bigger your family gets, more assets, etc...it's probably a good idea to get a good attorney to do it for you.

Obviously you won't give a shit because you'll be dead...but I've seen way too many nasty family fights over the estates of loved ones. Will it up...and make sure it's a good one.

8/2/2011 3:40:48 PM

I need a trust in my mothers name to shield my assets if the law comes after me, how does it work?

8/2/2011 4:24:24 PM

^It doesn't. The law doesn't appreciate shuffling money around to keep it from creditors, so they'd just take it anyways.

8/2/2011 4:34:26 PM

We went through Legal Zoom for ours. Didn't have any issues. Though as jbrick said earlier, if you're planning on putting a lot of complicated stuff in there, it's probably best to sit down with a lawyer and do it

8/2/2011 6:08:06 PM

700 dollars is absurd.

For most situations, I do a package deal (including a will, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and living will) for 150 for individuals, 225 for couples/spouses.

There are some issues that legal zoom, self-drafters, even a lot of attorneys miss that can be rather important, especially during probate. For example, most people should give their executor broad discretion in handling matters after their death. In some wills you will see reference to certain NC general statutes referencing this, but that mention is often not enough. For real estate in particular, if a testator wishes it (and I usually suggest they do), the will should expressly give the executor rights to sell their real property and incorporate the proceeds into the estate. Otherwise you have to get all the heirs to sign off on the deed. This can be a pain in the butt if some heirs don't want to sell their old family home, are looking to live in it, etc.



[Edited on August 2, 2011 at 9:07 PM. Reason : v]

8/2/2011 8:52:00 PM

i keep seeing this thread title on the Message Boards page and thinking its about mr_willis

8/2/2011 9:12:22 PM

I just had a will, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and living will all done for my mom thru a lawyer set up by SECU. Two fiddy.

8/3/2011 2:08:50 AM