When should I write a will?
 

I'm now 30 and single. I recently thought about writing a will. I'm not sure why. When should should I think about writing a will? How do I go about it?

Do it now.

Either engage the services of a lawyer or go and buy one of those off the shelf make your own will things.

If you have anything of value/importance that you want to make sure someone has in the event of your death, I would do it now. You don't have to be old or married to have a will and unfortunately, we never know how much time we have left on this earth.

I've heard from a lawyer that those will kits you get at the bookstore are a bit inadequate and most people don't fill them out properly.

If you want a will, and the peace of mind that comes along with one, just get a lawyer.

If you're asking this question, then the answer is "now."
Something that's easy is Five Wishes, in regards to advanced directives, which I personally feel everyone should have. A lawyer or law-based website should help you set up a will relatively easily depending on your assets.

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.

I to say "now". We made living wills as well, and hired an attorney for all of it.

As soon as you have something to leave and care where it ends up.

My wife and I organised ours through a lawyer provided by her union - you can also get assistance through home insurance providers or mortgage providers who have a vested interest and often negotiate deals with law firms.

I had a will drawn up about two years ago. Chiefly to legally assign the custody of my daughter to my mom and stepdad should anything ever happen to me. Those who know about the situation with my ex (and his family) will understand why that was so important. It has brought me tremendous peace of mind. Otherwise, it specifies the way my life insurance will be divvied up between my kids (I don't really have anything else that is valuable) and it contains a living will - which is also good to know I have. It's really not that expensive or time-consuming to do it. I think I met with the lawyer just two times. Importantly though, get a reference for a good lawyer. Don't skimp on something like your will.

How much does it usually cost to get a lawyer to do a will? I ask because I'm recently unemployed.

I believe it cost about $800 to get my will done. A simpler one may cost considerably less.

Here in Ohio, I've met lawyers who will do the Will and and Advanced Directive for $50. to start for a basic Will and POA. It's a fairly simple process and seems like most people should do this when they feel ready and willing to discuss their care if they have a n accident or health problems. Since we never know when or what, I suggest the sooner the better. Esp. if you are married or have kids.

Bump to that!

You should write it before you die!