Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Last Will & Testament

Does a Will have to be done through a lawyer?


Asked on 7/18/07, 6:19 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: Last Will & Testament

No, but you can perform a root canal on yourself as well. Wills are tricky, if you do it through a lawyer it is more likely to be done correctly and more likely to make sure your desires are effectuated.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.

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Answered on 7/19/07, 9:58 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Last Will & Testament

I agree with Steve and Arnold that a Will can be done without a lawyer. Forms are available at many stationery stores (Staples, Office Depot, etc.). However, contents and desires may be unique, and a lawyer can help making sure the right language is used and all concerns are properly met. Also, there are strict rules for signing, witnessing and notarization, as well as specific language that must be included (this can differ from State to State, so store-bought forms may not be complete or correct). Simple Wills drawn by a lawyer are not usually much more expensive than the store-bought forms (maybe $100 or so) and can avoid problems in the future. Better to spend a few dollars more now, than risk many more if the form used is not correctly done. I can assist you if needed.

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Answered on 7/19/07, 11:19 am
Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

Re: Last Will & Testament

No but what if you do it yourself and yu don't follow all of the rules and your self-drafted will is invalid?

A will should not be that expensive.

This post is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client

relationship. It is a comment on the legal question posed by the

poster and should not be relied upon in any way. All readers are

advised to consult an attorney to address their specific legal

concerns. Additional facts could affect the answer given.

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Answered on 7/18/07, 6:48 pm


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