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We are looking to create a low cost will for my parents. My father is a vet.

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You will need to see an attorney. Let him know this is a simple will, and that you cannot afford to discuss Trusts and other instruments that are not needed.

As your father is a vet I would contact the Vet administration and ask for a counselor on the phone, ask about low cost wills and where you can get them done.

Also look up wills for your state.
If you are speaking of passing on a home, this is a lot of money. You need to spend what it takes to make a will. A simple will should not cost you more than 1,000.00. If you don't have 1,000.00 then you really don't have enough in assets to be all that concerned about wills to be honest; you likely would have only a home. Were you to die "intestate" (with a will) that home would pass to your family according to the laws of your state (usually either the surviving spouse or the surviving spouse and children in shares).

Do know also that a hand written "holographic" will is often legal and is so in many states (check online). This should be handwritten copying a will form you get from online, and it should be witnessed and notarized. These almost always stand up in court if there are no family squabbles.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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I, too, agree that he should consult with acertified elder law attorney regarding a Will, especially if he has more than 1 adult child.

Also, an attorney may suggest other legal protections for him, especially if he doesn't have a PoA assigned yet, or an Advance Healthcare DIrective, Pre-Need Guardian designation, remains/funeral/Burial instructions, etc. A lawyer will also be the one to make sure your Father meets the criteria for legal capacity to even create those documents at this point so that none of it is contestable, and ensure he isn't being coerced. Maybe a Trust is something for him to consider for various reasons.

My Mom did an online form for her Will because she's single and I'm an only child. Right now she doesn't have any other assets besides what's in her checking and money market accounts, so there's no risk of anything going awry. Even with a downloaded Will he will still need to follow what his home state requires for the Will to be legitimate (usually needs to be notarized and signed in the presence of 2 non-family witnesses).

My Aunt just passed and she has a Will created by an attorney, who I am currently working with as the Executor, and am thankful because there's some trickier issues with her estate and I'm glad for the guidance.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Contact an estate attorney in your area, is your best bet.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Mwykes, welcome to the forum. Creating a Will depends on how many assets your parents own. Example, home ownership and/or stock ownership, it would be best to hire an Elder Law Attorney to set up either a Will or a Trust.


If your parents have limited assets, then a basic Will would be ok. I don't recommend a do-it-yourself Will off of the internet, as one wrong word or one misplaced word would damage the intent of the Will. Plus each State has their own laws regarding Wills. Have your Dad check with the Vet Administration to see if they offer a free service doing Wills.
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Reply to freqflyer
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