Q: Can I write a will myself or do I need to hire a lawyer to help me?

A: CAN you? Sure! SHOULD you? Well that is a whole different question!

Let me reshape that question. CAN you amputate your foot? Absolutely, but unless you are alone trapped in a rockslide and the only way out to get help before you die of exposure is to cut your foot off, it is probably a REALLY bad idea. Even if that IS the case, it is still a bad idea if you have ANY other option!

You should not be penny wise and pound foolish about this. Getting competent local legal help is always a good idea in this sort of situation. You can use the 'find a lawyer' tab here to locate someone nearby and shop around a bit to find someone who can help.

Seek qualified local legal help!

-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.

I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice

A: The complexity of your situation will in part answer the question. Legally, anyone can prepare their own will so long as they put it in writing and sign in the presence of 2 witnesses who also sign. The "simpler" the Will, the easier for a layperson to do it themselves. For instance, if a married person without children wanted to leave everything to their spouse a simple will would suffice. However, even "simple" wills can be messed up or miss the planner's intent.

If possible, a consult with an estate planning attorney should help guide your planning. Even for those who opt to go the self-prepared route, it is helpful to have an attorney review to make sure that the document legally achieves the planner's wishes. If income restrictions limit the ability to seek paid legal help there are a few programs available to link low-income residents of this state with volunteer attorneys who can assist with simple will preparation.

While this post isn't legal advice I hope that it helps.