Can you legally write your own Will?
If you don't have the money to afford an attorney?
You know, for things like final wishes, etc. Not necessarily for finances, but for finances also.
I don't have much, but I'd like to designate someone to carry out my final wishes.
I'm thinking of just writing a letter and signing it. Is that legally enforceable as a Will?
by Anonymous | reply 17 | April 21, 2024 8:04 PM
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Google it, you lazy whore
by Anonymous | reply 1 | April 21, 2024 5:50 PM
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Laws vary by state and there are DIY will kits online. You may be able to approach it your way, but your signature needs to be witnessed and notarized and the letter filed with the court.
by Anonymous | reply 2 | April 21, 2024 5:53 PM
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I did mines then tucked it in the couch
by Anonymous | reply 3 | April 21, 2024 5:56 PM
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A person may execute a holographic will which must be entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand of the testator himself (or whatever). Laws vary from state to state, but they are generally accepted as legal.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | April 21, 2024 5:59 PM
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Check out trust&will.com.
If your an AARP member you get a discount and it's very affordable compared to hiring an attorney. It's also approved by the Council on Aging and my bank is endorsing it.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 7 | April 21, 2024 6:10 PM
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R4 is correct. My mother did this and we had no problems, no one looked twice at it. I'm in California but I believe most states accept hand written (holographic) wills.
Witnesses are not necessary but there cannot be ANY CROSSOUTS or marks other than the writing. Sign and date it.
Designate your executor and make sure you write "I waive bond". This means you do not require insurance for the executer you name and/or any heirs.My mother didn't know about this and we had to pay the court bond and get waivers of bond from everyone named in will. It was the only hassle we had, but a big one. Anyway, just write it, you don't have to understand it.
It makes sense to do this even though you eventually go to an attorney anyway. It's easy and valid so if anything happens to you on the way to the lawyer you've got something.
by Anonymous | reply 8 | April 21, 2024 6:11 PM
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Of course you can. You just need to check your state’s laws to see what you need to do to make it effective.
You may need one or more people to witness it to make it effective, and/or you may need it to be notarized.
Also the way you can effectively cut someone out of inheritance may depend on your states law. All round, it’s safer to have a lawyer do it.
Of course, you’ll be dead so you won’t know the difference.
by Anonymous | reply 10 | April 21, 2024 6:19 PM
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Make sure to check rules in your state. Fewer states than I thought accept holographic wills. New York and Maryland only accept them if you're in the military.
by Anonymous | reply 11 | April 21, 2024 6:34 PM
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Why the fuck is a holographic will named that way? Who thought that term would be a good idea?
by Anonymous | reply 12 | April 21, 2024 7:00 PM
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This Wiki article explains which states accept the HW and which ones don't.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 13 | April 21, 2024 7:01 PM
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FWIW - my stepfather is a few states away in a Veteran's home. He wanted to make a new will, so his social worker arranged an appointment at the local Agency for the Aging. They did it for free. I don't know if this agency is federal or state. They helped him with the right wording and concept, so it wouldn't require probate and would be as simple as possible. It was notarized.
by Anonymous | reply 14 | April 21, 2024 7:09 PM
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[quote]Can you legally write your own Will?
Unless you are asking, too lazy to look it up yourself, about the legality of writing someone you own named "Will," the capitalization is embarrassing.
Oh, dear.
by Anonymous | reply 15 | April 21, 2024 7:15 PM
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[quote] You know, for things like final wishes, etc. Not necessarily for finances, but for finances also.
People will be happy to take the money, but possibly not so enthusiastic about seeing to your final wishes. What kids of final wishes did you have in mind?
by Anonymous | reply 17 | April 21, 2024 8:04 PM
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