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Halanna · 09-02-2009, 07:53 AM

I wouldn't recommend anything that is "do it yourself". Many of those are very generic and most states have state specific laws that the documents should comply with, not to mention what are considered "local rules" that are jurisdiction specific.

You absolutely should get a will now. You may not feel you own enough or have anything of value but it's a necessary document. What if you win the lottery and while driving to claim your ticket you get killed?

Aside from what you may or may not own, there are other documents that work in tandem with the Last Will and Testament.

These would be your Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will. Most states don't allow you to combine your Durable POA and Healthcare POA, that is why there are two. You need to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you in the even you are incapicated and can't do so for yourself. Most Healthcare POA also include provisions to transfer you to/from medical facilities, apply for medical benefits on your behalf, etc.

The Living Will addresses end of life issues. You do/don't want nutrition, hydration, you do/don't want to be kept artifically alive once two doctors certify you are brain dead.

Every state is different, but consult either an estate attorney or someone who specializes in Wills and the associated documents.

Once you have them completed, it's very important you keep them updated as your life changes, marriage, children, divorce, etc.

Also, don't put your documents in a safe deposit box unless your Personal Representive/Executor has access to the box with the bank usually as co-owner of the box. It creates a catch 22, the documents that give your PR/Executor legal rights to the box are in the box, but they can't get in the box . . .

*These documents may be called something different in your State, but they offer the same protection.

09-02-2009, 07:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
Halanna Insane Location: Over the rainbow . .	I wouldn't recommend anything that is "do it yourself". Many of those are very generic and most states have state specific laws that the documents should comply with, not to mention what are considered "local rules" that are jurisdiction specific. You absolutely should get a will now. You may not feel you own enough or have anything of value but it's a necessary document. What if you win the lottery and while driving to claim your ticket you get killed? Aside from what you may or may not own, there are other documents that work in tandem with the Last Will and Testament. These would be your Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will. Most states don't allow you to combine your Durable POA and Healthcare POA, that is why there are two. You need to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you in the even you are incapicated and can't do so for yourself. Most Healthcare POA also include provisions to transfer you to/from medical facilities, apply for medical benefits on your behalf, etc. The Living Will addresses end of life issues. You do/don't want nutrition, hydration, you do/don't want to be kept artifically alive once two doctors certify you are brain dead. Every state is different, but consult either an estate attorney or someone who specializes in Wills and the associated documents. Once you have them completed, it's very important you keep them updated as your life changes, marriage, children, divorce, etc. Also, don't put your documents in a safe deposit box unless your Personal Representive/Executor has access to the box with the bank usually as co-owner of the box. It creates a catch 22, the documents that give your PR/Executor legal rights to the box are in the box, but they can't get in the box . . . *These documents may be called something different in your State, but they offer the same protection.