Any suggestions on making an affordable, enforceable will?

[BamaRefugee]

Something I’ve been meaning to do anyway, but seems like maybe the time is now. I don’t have a ton of money, but being alone, no kids, it seems a shame to just let it get grabbed by the government if something happens to me.

Thanks for any help.

[Botany]

1. Hire a lawyer

end of story

[gratuitous]

2. Depending on what you mean by "affordable"

I'd suggest calling your state bar association lawyer referral service for the names of an attorney or two who work in estate planning. A simple will shouldn't cost all that much (mid three figures).

[empedocles]

3. The will should just be a backup [called pourover wills]. Beneficiaries should

get their benefits w/o expensive, delaying probate.

Revocable trust forms are readily available on line for this purpose.

[backtoblue]

4. Call a local funeral director/parlor to get started

You can also take care of a few more things while you're there. Like your burial preference, family info, etc.

Edit to add a lawyer would be the one to draw up a legal will.

[doc03]

5. I got a lawyer I think it cost $280 nt

[dhol82]

6. You can go to Zoom and do one online.

[TomSlick]

10. I LOVE on-line wills. They make for a lot of legal work for me.

A will makes a little bit of money for one lawyer. A home-made will makes good money for at least two lawyers.

[rzemanfl]

7. See if your state recognizes holographic wills. n/t

[TomSlick]

12. I LOVE holographic wills even more than on-line wills. (See 10 above.)

The courts will look for the least excuse to invalidate them and they almost always have more problems than the on-line wills.

It's like the old Fram oil filter commercials. "You can pay me now or you can pay me later."

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[no_hypocrisy]

8. Get a lawyer. It's an investment, not an expense.

OTOH, get a lawyer who SPECIALIZES in Estate Planning, Wills, etc.

My father went to an attorney his age (90) who didn't do wills and screwed it up badly at the expense of my siblings and I being left nothing. (My father wanted to avoid paying a cent to the Government and did some screwy things that cost us.)

[magicarpet]

9. Think through carefully,...

Know the state laws of Probate Court for a valid will.

Contact a seniors agency they can direct you to a low cost location for legal help to make the will official.

Contact a university law school they may assign a professor and student to guide you through the process.

Do you have a phone 211 United Way elder help office they may be able to recommend someone to help out.

[VarryOn]

11. If you have a minor child...

Getting a trust is wise, too.

My lawyer had about 14 -20 estate documents that were part of the package. Things like a will, trust, various powers of attorney in case of medical incapacitation, spillobwe living will, designating guard8jys8etc.

My wife and I have a minor child for another 12 years, so we went all out on tightening things up. It costs right at $2,800.

[BamaRefugee]

13. Thanks folks. As far as getting a lawyer, not sure if that's gonna be considered

“Essential Travel” under California shut down order?

[Ms. Toad]

18. You can probably find a lawyer who will do simple will by phone

Your local bar association may be able to give you a referral.

If you can't find an attorney, NOLO is a poor substitute - there's an art to these things. But it's better than nothing.

You'll likely need two witnesses (who aren't beneficiaries). That varies by state - but two disinterested witnesses over the age of 18 is pretty standard.

And, as noted above, the state generally doesn't get your money unless you don't have any living relatives (descendants, ancestors, same generation cousins, etc.)

[TomSlick]

14. To respond directly to your post:

1. The government rarely gets someone's money if they die intestate - without a will. Escheat only occurs if no heirs can be identified - and that is really rare.

2. If you don't have a will, your state's statutes have essentially written a will for you. If you don't have a will, your estate will go to your heirs - your parents, siblings (or their children), or more remote family.

3. I encourage clients with no spouse or children to consider leaving their estate to their favorite charity(ies). Leaving your estate to charities requires a will. It will give you and your lawyer a warm-and-fuzzy feeling.

[Progressive Law]

15. I'm an attorney, and I suggest NOLO for simple wills and living trusts.

https://store.nolo.com/products/quicken-willmaker-plus-wqp.html

[BamaRefugee]

17. Thank you

[PJMcK]

16. Get a lawyer

They're not expensive, (unless you're rich and then you could afford them!).

Importantly, they'll cover your ass.

Pay the pro and you'll get the right results.