Ms. Weston responded to an inquiry about free sites that offer do-it-yourself forms to assist with planning your estate. There are a number of those sites available and some are indeed free.
Some, however, are free for a limited time. If you cannot complete your legal documents in a particular time-frame, you would end up paying the fee if you did not cancel within the specified time period.
But there is one additional point made by Ms. Weston, something I have been writing about for a long time. Free is good but…
“If your situation is at all complicated — blended families, special needs children, contentious heirs, family businesses, foreign assets and large estates all count — then it's best to seek out an experienced estate planning attorney to draft your paperwork.” writes Ms. Weston.
I would add to the list, other situations where it might NOT be advisable to use a free form to create your will or a fill- in- the- blank estate plan form.
If you have had previous marriages, it would be wise to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to create or revise your estate planning documents.
If you are separated from your spouse or intend a divorce, an experienced estate planning lawyer can assist in developing a plan for your estate.
*Liz Weston, certified financial planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. www.asklizweston.com
Working To Preserve Your Wealth and Protect Your Future…in a Constantly Changing World
Please read my full Disclaimer and How I Can Help You
Visit my website: www.attorneybarbaradalvano.weebly.com for additional articles; information about free webinars and printable infographics