Question:
Does anyone know if there is a website to make your own will.

My surgery is next week and I don't have a will. Does anyone know of a websit that has a template to follow to make your own will. I am confident that I will come through my surgery OK, however, I also want to be responsible.    — Linda A. (posted on May 2, 2002)

May 2, 2002
I don't know of any particular websites, because I work at a law firm that does Wills. I just had mine done, and I can tell you from experience that Wills are very important and should only be done by any attorney that specializes in Estate Planning. The reason being, that the laws that deal with Estate Planning are different from state to state and therefore a generalized form could not be entirely accurate. You need to consult with an attorney, and get your list of assets and gifts ready ahead of time to speed up the process. It is certainly reasonable to get one created and exectued within a week, but you must start now!!! Take it from me, you must always be prepared for what life may throw at you! You can try looking for an attorney in your area by using the Martindale Hubbell website. It will allow you to search by location and specialty and will give you the biographies of any attorneys you are considering. Good Luck.
   — Amanda R.

May 2, 2002
Hi...I'm not sure of any websites, but you can get the ready-made ones at an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot. You probably should have it notorized or something which is simple to do (you can even go to your bank who has a notary on site).
   — Giovanna G.

May 2, 2002
Your local library should carry a book of legal documents and they should have a will in them...we have two such books here where I work. We print them right out of the book for patrons everyday.
   — Oldsoul

May 2, 2002
I agree with the other person from a law firm. I am a paralegal and have assisted with the probate of estates with self-made wills. There are way too many hoops for the ordinary citizen to jump through to do it themselves. You will ultimately have some mistake or omission that will cause problems for those handling your estate. Please take the advice and call an attorney. Each state varies on how a will must be constructed/executed. Most attorneys will do a will very cheap (maybe $50?) as they are what firms call "throw-away business". They will place their name and address on the will they do for you because most people don't know they can take the will to ANY lawyer but will probably call the lawyer that prepared it. Check with lawyers in small towns, they tend to be more reasonable in their fees than the large firms in large towns. Be wary of non-lawyer services that will do this for you. Good luck!
   — Nell C.

May 2, 2002
I bought a software package called Will Maker. It has you enter your city and state and the will maker knows what is legal for your state. I am in Texas so it asked me what was needed in Texas and when I printed it, it printed with the correct number of witnesses needed in Texas. I am divorced, no kids, so I did not have a complex will. If you have a complex family situation I'd spend the money to ask an attorney to help you draw one up.
   — blank first name B.

May 2, 2002
I agree if you have a will that will be complex to contact an attorney. You want to be sure that your wishes are followed and your assets aren't fought over or, even worse, taken by the state! If you have no kids, spouse, or assets, check out the Electric Law Library web site. Free downloads. http://www.lectlaw.com/. They have a disclaimer, though, that you still may want to check with an attorney. Use your own judgement, and best wishes for your surgery!
   — [Deactivated Member]