RE: Making a will

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firefighterjake

Minister of Fire
Jul 22, 2008
19,588
Unity/Bangor, Maine
My wife and I are thinking about getting a will . . . I checked with a lawyer and egads . . . I would have to practically sell my first born child (if I had one) for the price some of them are asking for a will, power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive.

So I started looking at Quicken Willmaker and other services such as LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, etc. Right now I'm leaning towards Quicken Willmaker as our will should be relatively simple.

As you might guess the folks voicing the most displeasure with these products are lawyers . . . and honestly . . . I understand . . .

So here's my question . . . honestly . . . anyone here have any experience with Quicken Willmaker or other products? Good or bad . . .
 
I can't advise you on an attorney, but having a good will is a most excellent idea. Otherwise, the state gets to decide where you assets go, regardless of your likes and dislikes.
 
Must be a regonal thing on lawyers cuz in 08 after 30 years of marraige my wife and I had a local mouth piece make up our will. He kinda specializes in that sorta thing so thats why I used him. We have 2 girls, both in thier 30's and 4 grandkids. With all the bells and whistles you spoke of it was $200 for a will, living will, POA, and afew other things that it would take to keep the state offn my relitives azz's when I kickit.
I will admit that I know nothing when it comes to those online will things.
 
Must be a regonal thing on lawyers cuz in 08 after 30 years of marraige my wife and I had a local mouth piece make up our will. He kinda specializes in that sorta thing so thats why I used him. We have 2 girls, both in thier 30's and 4 grandkids. With all the bells and whistles you spoke of it was $200 for a will, living will, POA, and afew other things that it would take to keep the state offn my relitives azz's when I kickit.
I will admit that I know nothing when it comes to those online will things.

We had our wills drafted last year and I think it was 350 dollars. Didn't shop around at all though.
 
I checked in with two lawyers -- $625 with one and $475 for the other.

So does anyone have any experience with Quicken Will?
 
After the grief & aggravation the kids have given me over the years, Let them fight!!! I'll be gone and having the last laugh.
 
My wife and I just (last week) got all three docs done and it cost $700.00 for both of us. He gave us very good suggustions and insite to process of dying and death.
 
Must be a regonal thing on lawyers cuz in 08 after 30 years of marraige my wife and I had a local mouth piece make up our will. He kinda specializes in that sorta thing so thats why I used him. We have 2 girls, both in thier 30's and 4 grandkids. With all the bells and whistles you spoke of it was $200 for a will, living will, POA, and afew other things that it would take to keep the state offn my relitives azz's when I kickit.
I will admit that I know nothing when it comes to those online will things.

Same here. All three documents for $200. Just finished up with this actually. Might try a few more lawyers and see if you can get a better price.
 
I was looking at Rocket Lawyer a while back. I am in the same boat as the OP. I need to get a will written and signed. Lest my eldest brother get one dime of my estate.
 
Depends, depends and depends again. I had a client who was a high tech design engineer and metallurgist in the medical device field. His estate presented tax and property transfer issues, plus some special things he wanted to accomplish. I quoted him a ballpark price, and he said he would read up on what he needed to do and then do it on his own. I said I would design and implant in myself the heart attack prevention devices which I thought I needed, but of course I would read up on it first. Looks like we both would get the deal we deserved.

Depending on your situation, a mistake or careless plan can be very costly from both monetary and personal perspectives.
 
just make sure, whatever you decide, get it done quickly. bad things happen and next week might be to late. tried to get the inlaws to do it for the last ten years, finally did it last year. a few months later FIL diagnosed with terminal cancer. get something done then tweek it if neccesary
 
just make sure, whatever you decide, get it done quickly. bad things happen and next week might be to late. tried to get the inlaws to do it for the last ten years, finally did it last year. a few months later FIL diagnosed with terminal cancer. get something done then tweek it if neccesary

Wife has wanted one for a while . . . we're going on a trip next week . . . she has a great fear of flying . . . hence the impetus . . . I should have done this earlier, but I am a great procrastinator (except when it comes to firewood.) The good news is we will not be in Mexico or Jamaica . . . so hopefully we won't be murdered on the trip.
 
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Jake, the Quicken Will should do just fine. Just make sure you have witnesses to signatures. Don't think a notary has to be involved thought. Make copies!
 
If you need to draft something right away, here is a link for a simple will.

http://www.delafe.com/form/frmswill.htm

Also, your witnesses cannot be named as beneficiaries in your will and it's best to get it notorized. My company partners with legalzoom but I haven't ever used it. In some states, you can literally just type something out and have it notorized but check your state laws to find out.

Have fun on your trip. Get your wife some tylenol PM so she sleeps during the flight too ;)
 
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