Comments on: Finishing Up a Not-So-Fun Task – Creating a Will

By: MVP

MVP — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:00:28 +0000

It’s simple: if you’re married and/or have children, you NEED a will. There’s no two ways about it. We’re lucky and have a family law attorney in the family, so we got ours free of charge, within a few months after we got married. I think it’s about $500 if you go with a lawyer. Now it’s done, and we can move on to other things. Like life insurance! (another necessary if you’re married with kids)

P.S. Don’t forget about the living will portion. You need to specify how you want to be treated if you’re incapacitated. We also made provisions for our pets. Oh, and make sure someone close to you knows where the will is located or has a copy. In our case, our family member who’s the lawyer has a copy.

By: Rachel @ Master Your Card

Rachel @ Master Your Card — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:49:37 +0000

I really must get round to sorting out my will too. i have been meaning to do it for about 5 years now and as I have toddlers now the need is even greater. I think that one of the main things putting me off is that I have no idea who to request care for the boys if anything should happen to me and my husband. I know plenty of places where they will be well cared for but I just hate the thought of anyone bringing them up except me.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:03:48 +0000

My wife and I keep talking about it, but we need to do it soon. We know that custody of our children may be a major sorespot, as we don’t plan to leave custody to either set of grandparents. (My blog explains why) Thanks for your tips! Love tha advice in the comments.

By: Joy SMith

Joy SMith — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:53:16 +0000

I didn’t know that Suze Orman has a will and trust kit! I love her work/advice! I have a will, but I need to revise it completely.

By: JW Thornhill

JW Thornhill — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:01:44 +0000

Wish I’d known about Suze’s kit sooner. We used an online application, LegacyWriter.com (:

By: arduous

arduous — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:15:38 +0000

Out of curiosity, if you have a will, does that mean that the people you will your money to are also responsbible for any debts you have when you pass away?

By: Lucian's Mommy

Lucian's Mommy — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:13:24 +0000

Hey Tricia
I loved this post. We keep putting off and putting off making a will. We have a 6 month old son at home and there really is no excuse. I have the same feelings about what will happen to him if we should die. I just wanted to say that reading this has made me declare this weekend Will writing weekend.
I found a website that helps you write wills for free. It’s http://www.nolo.com. They have other legal forms as well. Thanks!

By: Tricia

Tricia — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:28:11 +0000

Hi Cookie and Lyndsey – thanks for the tips!

By: Lyndsey

Lyndsey — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:24:25 +0000

Just a thought about “updating” your will: I don’t know what state you live in, but each state has different rules regarding which will should be probated if two wills are in existence. You may need to consult with a lawyer to find out what to do and what language needs to be included in the next will. Also, make sure you have someone to witness your signing of the will – otherwise it is useless. You can also get a self-proving affidavit (I believe this needs a notary present for signing) which will help during probate of your will – no need to call the witnesses to testify that they saw you sign.

By: Cookie

Cookie — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:12:09 +0000

I think that is a great step and more people should be aware and making their wills regardless of their financial status.

TIP: I’m not sure if you’ve considered this but you can allocate your assets as a percentage (%), instead of a dollar value, that way you don’t need to be constantly updating your will as your financial status changes and protects your assets if not updated for the loved ones you leave behind. Just a thought.