Q: How do you go about writing a will? Do you do it with your spouse or does each person write their own? What is the cost?
What type of lawyer do we hire?
A: Wills are individual, not joint. In the modern medical and tax world, simple Wills are not nearly enough. You should meet with an attorney who specializes in Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning. You can find a list of Certified Specialists on the Ohio State Bar Association website. Some attorneys do not charge for initial consultations and some will charge up to $500. Done properly, a modern estate plan (Will, maybe a living trust, various powers of attorney and health care documents) will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your circumstances. For business owners, real estate investors or those who need to do Medicaid planning, the costs are likely to be higher. The only way you will know for sure is to meet with an estate planning specialists to learn what you do not know.
A: You and your spouse should have separate wills. It is best to hire an estate planning attorney to draft them, as they can make sure that the wills are done properly according to state law. Costs vary, but most attorneys have a flat fee for wills and can tell you when you make an appointment to see them. Many also offer free consultations, so that you can be sure you are comfortable with the attorney you choose.
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