Questions that arrive early

No one has to, and some simple wills written on a form work. A lawyer is worth the cost when the family is blended, when there is a house, a business or a family member on disability benefits, or when you want the plan to hold up if someone challenges it.

A will is a letter to the court about what happens after you die. A living trust works during life and after, and can let family skip the court process. A trust costs more to set up and is not right for everyone; I’ll say which I’d suggest and why.

No. A will is usually what probate follows. Accounts with beneficiaries, jointly held property and trusts pass outside it. That is one reason to look at all of your papers, not only the will.

Sometimes it isn’t, and sometimes the choices are narrower. It depends on whether your parent can still understand and sign. A short conversation will usually tell me which kind of situation it is.

Wills, powers of attorney and living trusts have flat fees, listed on the How it works page with what each covers. Care planning and probate are quoted in writing after a first conversation. Filing and recording fees are separate.

No. I advise the people who do, and I help you pick them. Keeping the roles apart lets me give you honest advice about how the job is going.

Not always. The first conversation can be by phone, and documents can be reviewed over video. Signing is done in person, with witnesses, and I can come to a home or care facility when needed.

Whatever you have: an old will, a deed, an insurance or retirement letter, a list of your children and what you own. If you have none of it, call anyway.

What you tell me in order to get legal advice is protected once I’ve agreed to represent you. Until then, please keep confidential details out of the website form.