Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Will

My husband and I need to make a few minor changes on our will. It involves removing some heirs, changing the percent that goes to other heirs and changing the name of one heir. Will this require an entire new will. Would this be something that could be done with a will kit that we could purchase?

Thank You


Asked on 2/02/07, 7:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Will

You are describing major changes, not minor. I am going to refrain from being difficult here, and just strongly suggest that you should have an attorney review your new will and advise you how to have it properly witnessed so that your testamentary intent is effectuated.

I know it seems simple. However, if there is some problem with your will, your heirs have no recourse against the software company who wrote the form and if you have an unusual plan, the whole thing could be thrown out.

The intestacy statutes provide that your children take in equal shares. Especially if this is not what you want, you need to ensure that your plan is effective.

Unless and until the software comes with a malpractice policy, you are still better off with live counsel.

Most attorneys do wills for a very modest fee. Most Bar Associations have a panel of attorneys available to do wills for low income people for an extremely modest fee, such as $10.00.

When you can have it professionally done at a very low cost, what is the advantage of risking everything by doing it yourself?

Same way I don't work on my car or act as my dog's vet.

Hope this helps. Powell

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Answered on 2/03/07, 3:34 pm


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