Alan, move if in the wrong area, Will questions

[ToomuchStuff]

Has anyone done an online will service? I ask because with so much to deal with, I figure I am going to have to modify it a bunch, while other things may make it easier (those tubs I bought, specify the name I put on it, contents only go to that person, so I can put little stuff in, rather then change).

Larger items won't fit in the tubs, and I know I haven't thought of everything yet. Do any of them that you all used, allow changes in so many days, etc?

Thanks

[Tybee]

I would work with an actual lawyer and not an online service, personally.

Is there any way to give these folks the things now, or do you not want to part with them now?

[early morning]

No help on the will, I don't know anyone who didn't use a lawyer or just not have a will. We worked with a lawyer, though ours was simple, no direct specific requests. All goes to spouse then kids, so easy. Not so for many people, I get that. I'm listed as executor for my cousin - who thankfully is still with us - and I'm encouraging her to give away the stuff she wants people to have now, so they can enjoy her gifts while she's still here. She has no family closer than first cousins, and tons of artwork, crafts, tchotchkes, "collectibles" - most in storage and some in danger of damp/mold/heat etc. Honestly, if she gives it away now, I won't have to try to find whatever it is later, which will be a relief. My grandmother did this with a lot of stuff when she was winding down. She got to be the giver, and she was happy with that. AND stuff got to the person she really wanted to have it. Your tub idea is good, but honestly, if you can off-load the stuff as you go, I think it'd be less stress for you. Of course YMMV.

[iris lilies]

TMS, is your “stuff” really that important or valuable? You have real estate, so that is a major consideration.

We used an attorney for our trust and will because I didn’t want there to be a chance it would be thrown out.

[ToomuchStuff]

I am thinking a lawyer should do the final one, also so there is someone who has access. Maybe I should try to find a free form online, because in part I am trying to wrap my brain around layout and maybe that will help me find out stuff.

There is a lot of stuff I need to hang onto yet, in case I get well (for instance I have a lift table that I use for work stuff that is helping me lift/move stuff right now to deal with things, then a family heirloom/ring, that in my family history, some tend to get modified or turned into other jewelry).
But there is plenty, that I expect as I am going through things, to both get rid of and hand down.

[ToomuchStuff]

TMS, is your “stuff” really that important or valuable? You have real estate, so that is a major consideration.

We used an attorney for our trust and will because I didn’t want there to be a chance it would be thrown out.

Still need to deal with the vehicles (spent the last two weekends in the ER), but the houses are done, via TOD deeds, filed/handled by my banker (at no charge, couldn't believe).
Restaurant ownership/future, not set in stone yet, but decided and at lawyers (awaiting some stuff I have to finish this month on licensing, and Tim's death certificate).
My "work wife", gal that I have known since she was 12, will be driving me to the will attorneys (her uncles law firm), I just don't want to spend the money to have to do it a second time because I didn't think of something stupid.

[iris lilies]

Still need to deal with the vehicles (spent the last two weekends in the ER), but the houses are done, via TOD deeds, filed/handled by my banker (at no charge, couldn't believe).
Restaurant ownership/future, not set in stone yet, but decided and at lawyers (awaiting some stuff I have to finish this month on licensing, and Tim's death certificate).
My "work wife", gal that I have known since she was 12, will be driving me to the will attorneys (her uncles law firm), I just don't want to spend the money to have to do it a second time because I didn't think of something stupid.

The attorney will, or should, think of all the things you need to address. if you are looking for an online will for the purpose of laying out the things you think about, that seems fine to me. It might save you attorney fees if you have a good idea of how you want to handle everything, but the attorneys I know charged a flat fee for doing a trust and will.


Are you attempting to “hand down” nearly everything, or a few things?

[ToomuchStuff]

Most everything, but I am trying to make it simple for them to have a large estate/garage sale or auction because of the amount of tools I have (tried to have a friend help find a starting mechanic, but that friend got involved in drugs and fell off the face of the planet).
Just found out who I wanted to be my executor, may not want to do it as he is currently dealing with his mom and her estate "planning", which she keeps trying to delay (opposite of what I am trying to do), so I now need to figure out the backup and backup to the backup.

[iris lilies]

that’s really nice of you to think about giving tools away to someone just starting out. I’ve often thought that about DH stash of tools of something happens to him. That stuff is way expensive if you have to accumulate it piece by piece. I can see how it would be satisfying to see that the tools go to someone who really wants them.

But in the end, an estate sale or a thrift store cleanup will empty your house if need be.

[littlebittybobby]

okay----ALWAYS hire a good attorney, to take your money. After all, they have mortgages and a classy wifey who LOVES travel & restaurant meals, like you. Plus, kids who need cowlidge edducations, so as to keep the ball rolling. So yeah---any time your hubs kicks the bucket----have a yard sale for all his belongingings, to tidy things up, and get everything ship-shape. What doesn't sell can be donated to Charity, like Godawfulwill or whatever. It'll be like he never even lived, when you get done! Yup.

[nswef]

My friend's husband had lots of wood and tools. She called the local high school shop teacher who was thrilled to have them. He brought some of his class to take it all to the shop and a shed they have on school grounds, I think.

[iris lilies]

My friend's husband had lots of wood and tools. She called the local high school shop teacher who was thrilled to have them. He brought some of his class to take it all to the shop and a shed they have on school grounds, I think.
Now that is a good idea. Here in my rural town I can see shop class being an important class.

[Tybee]

My dad and my son have both given old vehicles to the auto shop at the school, to practice on.