Can I Write My Own Family Will?

We found it useful to use a software (by quicken, I think called willmaker plus??), and then have it checked over and notarized by a lawyer. The program is thorough and awesome, and it saved us a bundle.

I did mine on legalzoom.com

You can look at www.nolo.com

If your estate is relatively simple, I think a form-type will or Quicken Willmaker is a good option. My husband and I are working on this now that our daughter is born. We'll probably use an attorney for a more comprehensive estate plan later on, but a form should suffice to establish guardianship and name an executor.

It took my husband and I exactly one year to do this with a lawyer. We kept having to make changes. I think that whatever you choose, I would definitely do as much as you can on your own through books or computer programs. We had to use a lawyer because our assests are so complicated but we should have done more on our own. Technically you don't need a lawyer but you also want to make sure no one gets screwed by taxes from your estate.

My husband and I found a few websites. I printed it out and filled them out. My insurance agent is a notary public so he notorized it. We don't have the money for a lawyer so this is going to have to do. I was told that even if you have your wishes on paper it is ultimately up to the judge.

In my honest opinion, I'd hire a lawyer who is well-versed in this area.

You're talking about all of your assets and arranging for how they will be divided (and how your family will manage without you) in the event you pass away. I think it would be well worth the cost of hiring a reputable attorney to help you plan out where ALL of your money and assets will go if something happens.

my sis used the will makeer program. we started to and then i realized you can't save and change. so my hubby and i have to find time to both do it together and thats, um, never.

though in IL i hear you need to have a lawyer bring it to a judge to make sure it can't be contested. (sp?)