Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Missouri

Re: Last Will and Testament

The simple answer to your question is "NO!"

If you type up "a simple will" and have it witnessed by two people, it will not be a valid will and will not be enforced.There is absolutely no doubt that you should have an attorney draw up the will to be sure that it meets all legal requirements and will also accomplish the intentions of the testator.Simple wills may be prepareed by an attorney for a very modest fee. Personally, I have done hundreds of them for $150.

So, cost alone does not seem to be reason enough to try to prepare a will on your own. Also, I would add that there are many forms out on the market which are sold by advertising that you can save lots of money on attorney's fees. Not true! When the person who uses such a form dies there will be a great deal more expense and frustration due to the fact that those forms do not do a complete job. Finally, there are many web sites, paralegal offices, and other non-lawyer gimmicks taking advantage of people's understandable desire to avoid unnecessary legal expense. Those sites, paralegals and so forth will not be around to fix all the problems that will certainly arise. Please take my advise and consult with an attorney.