Looking for a lawyer...

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 02:25 PM

I didn't know where this would go on the boards
but I hope this is the right place.

I am in search of a lawyer who can update
our wills and other estate planning that
won't charge us $300 an hour.

I have done the internet search for NJ lawyers,
that's how I found this sight (don't ask I can't
explain it, lol). But most are far away and have
quoted anywhere from $500 - $1000 for a simple
will that just needs updating.

If there are any lawyers on the boards I sure
would appreciate your advice.

I've tried Legal Match with no luck and Legal
Aid we don't qualify or looking for. Just someone
reasonable who's not trying to get us to make
the payment on his Benz. LOL

What about you guys have you done your wills yet?

**MirandaK** · 01-09-2008, 02:27 PM

I used www.legalzoom.com for my divorce paperwork because the ex and I had no kids or disputes over property. They did an excellent job and they have customer service if you need additional stuff. I know they do wills and stuff as well...might be worth checking out. It worked great for me and I paid $268 bucks for my divorce...not bad!

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 02:29 PM

Oh Thank you!

I can't believe I'm having such a hard time.
The lawyer I used previously had moved out
of state.

I'll check it out.

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 02:31 PM

Oh yeah,

This is Robert Shapiro's (from O.J.'s case) site.
I have checked this out before but let me give
it another look.

**AmyBoz** · 01-09-2008, 02:32 PM

Carol,
Where in Jersey are you? I know a few lawyers here in NJ.

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 02:33 PM

Springfield, NJ

Thanks

**leezza** · 01-09-2008, 02:41 PM

http://www.wethepeopleusa.com/

I see this advertised on TV all the time, I know nothing about them per say but it seems like the prices sounded ok.

leezza

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 02:50 PM

Thank you

I'll give them a look.

**adam** · 01-09-2008, 04:42 PM

I'm a law student (older), so I might be biased, but I think that a will is something that I would be extra concerned about getting right. (You can always fix a divorce, but I'll be damned if you can fix your will after your dead).

Here is what you want from a will:
1. You want your wished to be followed, for your property and for your children
2. You want this to be done in a way so that no one can mess with it
3. You want this to be done in a way so that you have as few tax implications as possible.

I hear you saying to yourself, I don't have a lot of money, etc. Well, people get a lot of money either inheriting it or in their 401ks. It happens to normal people these days, not just Rockefellers.

Nothing should be more important to you than your kids - if it is, don't bother reading any of this. Spend time on this.

Contact the NJ State Bar Association and they will give you a number of names of attorneys in your area. Call them and say what you want and what you are willing to pay. All attorneys have sliding scales (and if they don't, screw them). The attorneys that you get listed with should give you a few first meeting. How do you feel about them? If not to good, go to name number 2.

Get a health care proxy and all that other stuff, as well. It should come as a group.

If you have kids, for God's sake get insurance. No kids, no insurance.

Peace.

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 06:24 PM

Thank you so much Adam,

All the things you listed is why I am doing such
a search for a lawyer. Sure there are sites that
I could use to download the forms and such.
But I want to do this hopefully for the last time
and want it to be done right.

We do have some specific requests and bequests
and I know that us creating a will our selves won't
get it done right.

About the other forms you're suggest we get done
(Living Will, Health Care Proxy, etc.)
we had those done the last time we had a will
drawn up and will update those also.

Question Adam:
Re: A Revocable Trust
When should you start considering if you need
one or not?

Thanks again for your help.