Power of Attorney and Wills

I thought it would be really easy to do my own will and power of attorney and just get it notarized, and I am running into trouble. I have learned I can just hand write my will and have 2 witnesses sign it, as well as do the same for Living Will, however, w/ power of attorney, a few attornies would not even touch it and one told me they would notarize a generic form or do it for $50.00 Can anyone in LA give me an idea of what they did, and the prices for such. Thanks.

Kelli, I had mine done by my pre-paid legal service (through my employer) so I really don't know about prices. In fact, I have an appointment with the lawyer this afternoon to have all that done with Bruce (my fiance'). I have a CD program "Family Lawyer" that does different documents (power of attorney, living will, child care authorization, etc). I may be able to help you do yours on this program and then I would think you would just have to go to a Notary Public to get the document(s) notarized and signed. I will ask my lawyer this afternoon and get back with you on it (I'll ask him about prices too). Rhonda

Thanks Rhonda! and Hey! I appreciate it. Office Depot didn't have Family Lawyer, but I bought something else, but all these attornies I am talking to will not notarize a will. They told me I could hand write it. yes, please let me know what your attorney says. Thanks.

Kelli, write down what you want, THEN Call the social worker/chaplain at the hospital you plan to use. Almost all hospitals have a notary on staff to do Living Will, you can ask them about the regular will. And about your "Healthcare Power of Attorney" (a person nominated to make decisions for you if you are unable to).

Thanks Kat!

Kelli, Waiting to hear back from the lawyer. I forgot to ask him about your particular situation when we were there. We had a lot of ground to cover(personal documents, traffic accident--we were in one on Wednesday, traffic ticket received in May--not me). Point is, I forgot! But, I did send him a fax yesterday evening and asked a bunch of your questions. One thing I did note when Bruce was discussing his will is that we still have forced heirship in LA when you have children under the age of 24. That makes things a bit more complicated when doing a "standard will" as you could in most states. My will would become more complicated since I have a child with a disability so he would always--regardless of his age--be entitled to a certain portion of my estate. What I am saying is that if I wanted to leave more to his twin sister, let's say, because she would see that he is taken care of, I wouldn't be able to do that through forced heirship. Bruce has a daughter that won't be 24 until January so he will have to redo his will at that time. As soon as I hear back from the lawyer I wll let you know. Rhonda

Thanks Rhonda, I appreciate it.