Question:
Hi Jim,
I'm looking for someone to do a legal Will for me. I have property, so I was told I would need a real estate will too. I called around and the cheapest fee I have found is $3,000.00. What advice would you give me?
Jim's Reply:
I'm not a lawyer so I'm not familiar with the term "real estate will". Over the course of my life I've had any number of wills drawn up to adjust to current circumstances and I've owned land as well as homes and buildings, "real property" and that's always been another part of my estate. Are you sure you aren't confusing some terms?
I've also never paid as much as the $3000.00 you cite for a fee. That's pretty darned pricey in my way of thinking.
My most recent will was free. A will is such a common document that unless you have a lot of complex money tied up, a simple will is acceptable. I used https://www.splcenter.org/create-your-will-free to do mine and my wife's 2021 updates and I'm happy with that.
I'd also suggest that you check with a couple of veterans law attorneys who may be able to help you. Many attorneys are well prepared to take care of your probate needs depending on the state you're in and such.
It won't cost you anything to get some advice from the veterans law attorneys you'll meet at that link so that may be a great next step. Good luck!