Can't afford a lawyer to make up a Will. Any advice?

There are many forms on the Internet - some for as little as $20. Be sure and find one that is meant for your state and get it notarized so that it's legal. Your bank should have a notary public.

If you have a complicated will, then you may want a more sophisticated form such as 3PinkRoses suggested or something from a finance expert. Some people just want to leave everything to a child or children - others have very specific bequests.

If you have a complicated issue, then an attorney is best. Good luck to you. The legal work is important, yet attorneys can be expensive. It's not an uncommon problem to not quite know what to do.
Carol

It doesn't sound like there are any assets to dispose of with or without a will. The life insurance policy has a designated beneficiary. You should check who that is, to make sure it reflects Mom's wishes, but there is no cost to change it. (Contact the issuing insurance company). If she has any savings accounts you can visit the instution to see if they have a 'paid on death' option. Like a beneficiary, it passes outside a will. Retirement savings such as IRAs or 401(k)s all have a beneficiary selection. Perhaps you can be more specific as to your concerns as your question doesn't indicate any assets.

Call the Senior Center in your area. Sometimes lawyers assist pro bono at these centers or for a very reasonable fee.

You can do a will yourself with legal zoom. I think it costs about $60. From what I understand, it guides you through the steps. Or Suze Orman, the Finance specialist also has a program for wills and trusts, etc.

The difference between a will and a trust is you avoid probate with a trust and it is much easier when the time comes. Blessings to you.

Your profile doesn't indicate the state in which you live. Google "holographic wills", [name of your state] and see what the terms are to make them legal.

It doesn't sound as if your mother has any assets at all, so a holographic will might suffice. Just make sure it meets the conditions specified.

Also, you make no mention of any siblings or husband, so I assume there are none in the picture.

DebraLee makes a good suggestion. Many Senior Centers have arranged for pro bono legal advice;

From what you've written, I don't think a trust is necessary - there just aren't any assets to protect that can't be addressed by joint holdings, Geewiz suggested. And trusts are complicated, very, very complicated and are not DIY projects.

Also check any local law schools to see if they have estate planning clinics. You might be able to get more pro bono or at least less costly help through those sources.