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Use a certified elder law attorney from National Academy of Elder Law attorneys (naela.org). They are extremely knowledgeable and, as the members are required to have adequate malpractice insurance, you or your heirs have recourse if need to sue.

not cheap but you get what you pay for.
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Reply to seamus1010
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Always best to have a lawyer draw up your will and legal documents, as you won't have any issues down the road.
I live in NC, and had my will and both DPOA, and medical POA drawn up here a little over 2 years ago for $750.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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I would use a lawyer. They know all the ins and outs to make sure the Will cannot be contested.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Also, by using an Elder Law Attorney, that Attorney can let you know if there are any new Federal or State laws that would affect your legal documents. Couple years ago we had to go in and sign new legal documents, otherwise our previous legal documents would have been outdated. I don't know if on-line website Attorneys offer that type of update service.
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Reply to freqflyer
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MsTcat, welcome to the forum. Is the Will for yourself or a family member? If for a family member, is that person of clear mind enough to understand everything in a Will? If not, they cannot sign a Will or any other legal documents.


I've never been a fan of on-line legal documents, as one misplaced word or missing word could make the Will different from what it was intended. Not saying there aren't good legal websites where you speak to an actual Attorney, just saying be very careful of using just any "boilerplate Will". Using the wrong Will could cause the Will to be invalid.


Please note if you print off a Will from the internet, you will need to get the Will notarized. Present at signing must be at least two witnesses (depending on the law of your State), and the witnesses cannot be anyone who is named in the Will, nor can one of the witnesses be the notary him/herself.


If the estate of the person who needs a Will is over a certain amount (depends on the State), it is better to speak with an Elder Law Attorney who will draw up the Will or even suggest a Trust if the estate is large.
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Reply to freqflyer
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Legalzoom.com or Rocketlawyer.com are ones that my Mom and MIL used to create PoAs, Advance Healthcare Directives and Last Will & Testament. They are specific to each state and walk you through a lot of questions before filling it out. These 2 sites also have online access to attorneys licensed and experienced in elder law in your home state if you have questions. You still have to finalize it all in whatever way your state designates, like being notarized in front of 2 non-family witnesses. I would only go this route if there is little chance for contestment or controversy, or paying an attorney's fee is a barrier. I'm an only child and my Mom is single, so no disputes will be happening.
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Reply to Geaton777
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I'm an only child as well... Never considered any problems... Big mistake !!! Any one can contests guardianship, and it cost the estimate and me for years+ my retirement savings in ....court and lawyer fees as well as the family business. So even if you are an only child... treat it like your not!!!
Trust me on this..!!!
Sincerely ..an only child...
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Reply to Thelonliestnmbr
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Our senior center has a once a month "make a will" drop in session with lawyers, check with yours for this free (for members) offering. It's important you have state specific documents and non-family member witnesses. Good luck!
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Reply to MailaBdaughter
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Don't bet on it!!.. It's the way I thought and that assumption threw my family into a total train wreck!!! 4+ years and counting 401ks gone, family business gone.... Stay in front of it while you can... Contact an elder lawyer now!! Seaously!!
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Reply to Thelonliestnmbr
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I believe there are many on-line.
I'd advise seeing an attorney if possible. Some will work pro-bono - you have to ask.
There are senior centers who offer these services.
Yes, you can do one on-line although a real person - attorney - may know things / ways of creating a will - that you might miss on-line.
Consider calling a law school and see if there is a student willing to help you - they are supervised by a professor.

I am concerned that you indicate you've 'looked at all the sites' and haven't found one that offers a will 'template' - they are there / available. Perhaps ask a kid or friend (college kid) to help you do this research.

P.S. It isn't only a WILL - there are many other legal documents you need to get in order ... POA for finances, healthcare, soc sec rep... Be sure to find out exactly what you need to be covered. Are you interested in a funeral or donating your body to science (as I am) ... this takes a lot of research, although questions you need to ask yourself.

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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