Wills for young families and first plans
A will says who inherits, who settles things and who raises your children. For most families it’s the first plan, and for many it’s the only one they need.
Most people who call us about a will have just had a child, bought a house or lost a parent who didn’t leave one. The will itself is a few pages. The decisions take longer, so we spend the planning meeting on them: who would raise the kids, who handles the money for them, and at what age they get it.
What goes beside the will
A will only works after a death. A financial power of attorney and a health care power of attorney cover the years before, if an accident or an illness means you can’t sign for yourself. Both are in the package.
When a will isn’t enough
A will goes through probate, a court case that settles the estate. If you own a home, land in both states or a family business, we’ll tell you on the free call whether a trust would spare your family that case.
What the will package covers
One fee for the whole package, quoted in your fee letter before we draft anything.
Will package for a couple
Two wills that mirror each other, with everything below for both of you.
- A will for each of you
- A guardian named for minor children
- Financial and health care powers of attorney
- A health care directive
- Signing with two witnesses and a notary
- Probate after a death
Will package for one person
The same documents for one person.
- Your will
- A guardian named for minor children
- Financial and health care powers of attorney
- A health care directive
- Signing with two witnesses and a notary
- Probate after a death
Probate after a death is a separate matter, quoted when it’s needed.
Will questions from new parents
Who should we name as guardian?
Someone who shares your values and could take the children in, and a second choice in case the first can’t. The person who manages the money can be someone else.
Do we each need our own will?
Yes. Couples usually sign two wills that mirror each other, and the package fee covers both.
How often should a will be updated?
After a birth, a death, a divorce, a move between states or a large change in what you own. Otherwise, a look every five years or so.
Hear the will fee before you hang up
Twenty minutes to hear what a will package would cover for your family, and the fee in writing.