Anybody can have a will written.
Here is a brief checklist of information you should have before making an appointment with a lawyer:
1. A clear statement of your objectives for yourself, a surviving spouse, your dependents or heirs, others, and charity. Exactly what do you really want to do?
2. An inventory of assets and their estimated value, including real and personal property, bank accounts, securities, life insurance, interests in pension and profit-sharing plans, and any other assets you own.
3. A list of the names and addresses of family, friends, and organizations to whom you intend to leave your assets, the specific property, and the amounts of percentages of your estate you want to leave to each.
4. The name and address of the individual, individuals, or institution you intend to name as your personal representative (executor/executrix).
5. The name and address of the individual or individuals you intend to name as guardian of your minor children or other dependents.
6. Your concerns about the advisability of a trust and alternative provisions. (A trust can either be included within a will or drafted as a separate document.) Your attorney can work out technical details but it will help to have as much of this information assembled as possible before your first appointment. Also, have ready your suggestions of an individual, individuals, or an institution to serve as trustee.
7. A list of all debts should be compiled, including names and addresses of persons to whom you are indebted and the basis for the indebtedness.
8. Finally, a list of your specific questions for the attorney should be prepared. This will serve to clarify your thinking, take less of the attorney’s time, and cost you less.
