Making a Will: Are Lawyers Optional?
Most people don't need a lawyer to make their will. Here's why.
If you're thinking about making your own will, you may feel a little uneasy about the process. After all, shouldn't you seek a lawyer's help with such an important legal document?
The answer depends on your situation. If you're like most people, you won't need a lawyer. With good self-help materials, it's not difficult to make a will that takes care of basic concerns, such as leaving a home, investments, a small business and personal items to your loved ones. And if you have young children, you can use your will to name a guardian to take care of them, as well as someone to manage any property they inherit.
Making a Basic Will
You may be interested to know that when lawyers draft wills, they usually start with a standard form that contains the same types of clauses contained in most do-it-yourself wills. Most attorneys put their standard will form into a computer and have a secretary type in the client's name, the names of the people the client wants his or her property to go to, and other basic information -- exactly what you can do for yourself when you make your own will with software.
Making a will rarely involves complicated legal rules. In most states, if you're married, your spouse has the right to claim a certain amount of your property after your death. If you leave your spouse at least half of your property, this won't be an issue.
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You need to sign and acknowledge your will in front of two witnesses. But beyond these basic requirements, you may parcel out your property however you like, and you don't have to use fancy language to do it. In short, if you know what you own, whom you care about, and you take a little time to use self-help resources, you should be fine.
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