Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: wills

check out www.nolo.com for a do it yourself will.

Re: wills

Thanks for your posting.

Yes, you can do a will yourself. I don't recommend doing so, however, because I have seen quite a few "do it yourself" wills that are challenged or declared invalid because they were not executed properly. For example, you must have at least two witnesses in California for a valid witnessed will, or draft the entire will in your handwriting, which few people do.

I would suggest at least sitting down with an attorney for a free consultation and then doing a will yourself, if you choose. Most attorneys want to get your business, so they may ask if you would like them to do a will for you, but you can also get some valuable advise on what is best for you.

Thanks again, and if you have any other questions, or you want more information, or even representation, please feel free to email me back, or call my office at 1-877-568-2977 (toll free).

Re: wills

If you have any assets of significance, you are better off to spend a few extra dollars and have a revocable living trust established. This will avoid probate, which can be very expensive, and a will is more easily challanged than in court than a trust.

Go to my website and, under estate planning, there is a short presentation on the value of a living trust. www.lawken.com