When getting a will drafted, there are many options. Some people try to save money by writing a will themselves using online forms from sites like LegalZoom. Though these sites can save money in the short term, the downside to writing a will yourself is the potential for error. If done incorrectly, a will may not be valid or have the desired effect. To make sure it gets done right, and for peace of mind, we believe it is worth spending the money to hire an attorney to draft your will. This post tells you exactly what we charge to draft wills and other estate-planning documents.
For some people, a will is all they want or need as far as estate planning. But for many people, an estate plan should also include: (1) a general durable power of attorney, and (2) an advance healthcare directive.
A will, of course, provides for who inherits your property at your death. Most people already know this. But what about a power of attorney and advance healthcare directive? A power of attorney gives another trusted person, usually a spouse, ability to control your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. An advance healthcare directive appoints someone, usually your spouse or child, to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so (and makes your wishes known about whether to prolong life after all treatment options have been exhausted).
For many people, an estate plan should also include a life-insurance policy. It is also important to set up any retirement, investment, or other financial accounts with the proper beneficiaries. If you hire us, we will discuss these topics and how they factor in to your estate plan.
So, how much does it cost to hire an attorney to draft your will? For a simple will, we charge a flat rate of $600. If you also want a power of attorney and healthcare directive, we draft these along with the will for $1000.
For husbands and wives, we can draft reciprocal wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Typically, the husband and wife each want essentially the same will, leaving their property to the other spouse (and to children or other relatives in the event the other spouse dies first). For powers of attorney and healthcare directives, husbands and wives usually name the other as their agent (and often their child as an alternate agent).
So how much more does it cost for a husband and wife to both get wills drafted? For reciprocal wills for a married couple, we charge a flat rate of $850. If a married couple also wants powers of attorney and healthcare directives, we draft these along with the will for $1200 total.
Our attorneys are experienced in will drafting and estate planning. Call (601) 827-3031 or email us using the contact link on our website if you would like to discuss having a will or other estate-planning documents drafted.
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