Where to find free help with a will?

Although it is indeed possible to use an online will service, the problem is that you don't know what you don't know. Often a seemingly minor issue may require a complex solution that only an attorney with knowledge of estate planning can solve via a carefully drafted will. A straightforward basic will should not cost that much ($100-$500), and you can get your powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, and living will--all documents sometimes even more important that your will--done at the same time.

I always thought it funny that people will seek out free legal documents or advice but never free plumbing work in their house!

Often Legal Aid will offer a free workshop or service. People often make their own wills using attempt to create their own Wills and fail miserably. Huge mistakes are made even when using a form. Often Wills are not properly signed or witnessed resulting in invalidity or disinheritance. In short, you will sleep better if you get an attorney's help. You also might be unaware of other documents you need.

The NY Bar Association has a program for elderly and fixed-income people who want to do their wills, POAs, Living Wills, and Health Care Proxies. Call the Bar and ask about it. I got my mother's documents done for free because she fell into their income range and was over 65 at the time.

Before the time comes, Downsize, Any property have named a beneficiary and/or charity (name backup in the event first choice beneficiary passes). Have funeral wishes made. If have credit cards, close and pay off, for ones that are left get credit card insurance. Write this all down and leave in a safe place, that way when death comes, everything should go along smoothly and more time can be focused remembering loved one.

I am not a big fan of do-it-yourself wills.... all it takes is one missing word or one misplaced word to create a landmine of issues.

If one cannot afford an attorney or there isn't a Legal Aid branch in your area, Legal Zoom could be a good next choice, but I have never used them.

A do it your self is a bad idea. Find an attorney to help you with the documents. Ask them about a Revocable Living Trust. That will help you while you are alive and your heirs after you die. Take Control of Your Future.

A friend from work had her husband do one of those online wills, etc., when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Most of the medical forms were fine. But now that she has to try to deal with the will, because it was not done by a lawyer and all the notorizations, etc, she is having to jump through a lot of extra hoops. Today she told all of us to skip the free online wills, get an attorney to write it up.

I agree with the folks who think this is not a good idea. I find most often in life, you get what you pay for and you should find an attorney that specializes in elder law. One wrong word, one ambiguous detail, can spell disaster. Call around to these attorney's to get an idea of cost. It may sound expensive but the cost of risking having it done incorrectly will be a far higher price, not to mention added friction between family members. You want airtight and crystal clear. Once you have decided to bite the bullet and have an attorney do it, many will accept credit cards so it is not something you have to pay all at once. One more thing, check lawyer backgrounds and see if they have good reviews, just because they are an attorney, doesn't neccessarily mean they are fabulous. Shop around, get costs, then proceed with the one you feel is right. One last thing to know is that if you ever want to ammend it, that costs money as well.
Do not go for freebies here, too much to risk.

CharlieP, here is an excellent article regarding Elder Law Attorneys... keep scrolling even if you come to an ad, there is more to the article below those ads.

www.agingcare.com/local/elder-law-attorneys

A DIY will is better than dying intestate. Go to the nearest office supply store, buy a will form, and get your loved one to sign it in the presence of witnesses and a notary. Do not let the perfect become the enemy of the good.