Q: Should I get married or make a will?
I am 36(f) with two children under the age of 18. My assets are worth about 700k. My kids father and I do not have any sort of relationship. If something happens to me before my kids turn 18 my ex there father will have access to everything. My question is this: to avoid my ex getting his hands on my assets through the kids, would it be better to get married and that way someone else gets it or should I make a will? For background information, my ex was very abusive and is hooked on heroin.
A: Yes, you should definitely get a will and NO you should definitely not get married for the reasons you mention. You should get an attorney prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney. Yes, it will cost a bit of money. However, those it would be SO worth it to have a Will done by a really good lawyer. It's really important that the will be extremely difficult for someone to get overturned if you pass away. It needs to be as ironclad as possible, so you really don't want to use an internet company for making your will.
A: Consult with an estate planning attorney to set up a complete estate plan for your and your children that includes a trust, will, medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney and HIPAA authorization.
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