i've been shopping for a way to do my will/estate planning thingie. not dying or anything, just wanted to make sure my family's protected if and when i'm gone. i've heard that all wills need to be notorized, is that correct?

 

So, take it to a notary when you sign it?

 

No.

A holographic will - one written in your own handwriting - need not be notarized.

Nevertheless, it's probably a lot safer to get it notarized.

 

I'm not sure how sophisticated the packages are but I suggest you look into using a lawyer to draw up your documents.

Although a s/w package may cover the basics, if your really planning for 'the end', or even something in-between (think catastophic illness)you might want to think about Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Medical Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Special Needs Trusts, and Tax Trusts. You may also want to re-register your financial accounts (into some type of joint ownership) to avoid the need to probate portions of your estate.

I'm not a laywer, but a recent death in the family has highlighted the importance of planning for the end.

My .02.

 

I agree 100%. We're almost 15 months into trying to settle my Father in Laws estate and not sure we can complete things in two years. His estate was well planned out but he had homes in two states with very different laws.

My wife and I have fairly simple wills that protect each other and spells out what is to be done with our things and animals.

Rich, don't wait to get something legal together. If something happens you don't want the government deciding who gets what, do you?

 

I got this because the reviews were pretty good...

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...y=1&topnav=&s=1

And looks like it covers:
-Will
-Living Trusts, including an AB Trust (no idea what AB trust is)
-Health Care Directive (no pain & misery, please)
-Living Will
-Health Care Power of Attorney
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Final arrangements document
- Important documents for executors

I don't have much in terms of estate but I figure when I do I will hire an attorney to do this, for now this might be a good enough stop gap?

 

AB Trust

It looks like it's a good idea.

 

I've also heard of legalzoom.com