Can I type up my own will in California?
September 25, 2010 2:08 PM Subscribe
Single person, California Will -- can I really just re-write this California Statutory Will so everything goes to my god-child, instead of of my SpouseOrChildren? [Thence getting the print-out duly witnessed and notarized.] Is there a text or html file available of this Statutory Will boilerplate? (I can only find PDFs.)
And if not, can you recommend a rock-bottom source of legal asistance in the Bay Area for doing this right? I know I don't have enough property to require a trust.
And if not, can you recommend a rock-bottom source of legal asistance in the Bay Area for doing this right? I know I don't have enough property to require a trust.
(Even if you do your own will, I suggest you get a lawyer to look it over.)
posted by amro at 2:25 PM on September 25, 2010
posted by amro at 2:25 PM on September 25, 2010
Although I (like all other lawyers) do not recommend going it alone, this page is a good start for those who insist on doing so.
I would note that I would charge about $100 for a true simple will for an individual. But I do not live and practice in San Francisco, where everything is off the charts.
posted by megatherium at 3:25 PM on September 25, 2010
I would note that I would charge about $100 for a true simple will for an individual. But I do not live and practice in San Francisco, where everything is off the charts.
posted by megatherium at 3:25 PM on September 25, 2010
IANAL, however I can say with confidence that it is not easy to disinherit your spouse or your children in most parts of the US. If you have a spouse or child and you don't want them to get the inheritance, you should talk to an attorney.
posted by alms at 6:06 PM on September 25, 2010
posted by alms at 6:06 PM on September 25, 2010
Uh, the OP doesn't HAVE a spouse or child that would get it by default...
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:42 PM on September 25, 2010
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:42 PM on September 25, 2010
Wills are about making your intentions clear. Everyone with assets should have one. If you no one is likely going to contest your desires, a simple fill in the blank will should be plenty. If you think someone might fight something about it, you unfortunately* need a lawyer.
I used an earlier edition of this book to do my wife and my wills: Quick and Legal Will Book. Even if you are going to see a lawyer, I would heartily recommend starting with this book as it will let you think about all the big issues on your time instead of spending your money on a lawyer to explain the easy stuff.
* No insult meant to lawyers, but I firmly believe that the majority of humans shouldn't need to see a lawyer for boring things like wills. I think that too many lawyers are too interested in instilling fear in people to get the to buy their services. That isn't to say I don't think they are valuable. If you have a real amount of assets, bringing a fill in the blank will to a lawyer to discuss particular complications with your local jurisdiction is not unreasonable.
posted by fief at 1:56 PM on September 27, 2010
I used an earlier edition of this book to do my wife and my wills: Quick and Legal Will Book. Even if you are going to see a lawyer, I would heartily recommend starting with this book as it will let you think about all the big issues on your time instead of spending your money on a lawyer to explain the easy stuff.
* No insult meant to lawyers, but I firmly believe that the majority of humans shouldn't need to see a lawyer for boring things like wills. I think that too many lawyers are too interested in instilling fear in people to get the to buy their services. That isn't to say I don't think they are valuable. If you have a real amount of assets, bringing a fill in the blank will to a lawyer to discuss particular complications with your local jurisdiction is not unreasonable.
posted by fief at 1:56 PM on September 27, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by amro at 2:24 PM on September 25, 2010