cheapest price for a will?

I am looking to get a legal will done that will give my wife everything if I die and if she is gone, split it with the kids. I want to be sure that no one can try to cash in on my will if their name is not down in it. Who has the best rates? Dallas Ward in Calvert county did my fathers awhile back for $250. I did not see his name in the phone book and wonder if he retired. A lot of others I looked into want much more to do it.
I thought of buying the software and doing it on line, printing it out and haveing it notorized and filed, but want to make sure only the people in the Will get my estate.

Anyone have a recommendation?

[Ken King]

I've seen them online for like $9.95

I found his number and charges 150. Wonder why my fathers was more expenisve. Must have been more complicated.

[aps45819]

The software route would be the cheapest.
If you're going to hire a lawyer, look into getting a trust set up. It'll cut down on the taxes you heirs get socked with.

[Ken King]

You should be able to figure out what you want and just make one all on your own. If you interested in the law relating to wills start reading here and continue on by selecting "next". http://mlis.state.md.us/cgi-win/web_....exe?get&4-101

[Oz]

Pay a professional. If you make a mistake, the probate costs could be far greater than the small amount you will pay an attorney now. Good planning is priceless.

[kom526]

Originally Posted by aps45819

The software route would be the cheapest.
If you're going to hire a lawyer, look into getting a trust set up. It'll cut down on the taxes you heirs get socked with.

[pizzalady]

Originally Posted by baswm

I am looking to get a legal will done that will give my wife everything if I die and if she is gone, split it with the kids. I want to be sure that no one can try to cash in on my will if their name is not down in it. Who has the best rates? Dallas Ward in Calvert county did my fathers awhile back for $250. I did not see his name in the phone book and wonder if he retired. A lot of others I looked into want much more to do it.
I thought of buying the software and doing it on line, printing it out and haveing it notorized and filed, but want to make sure only the people in the Will get my estate.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Well I work for a Estate Planning Attorney, and yes Wills are costly, however as someone said to do one all on your own It honestly would not be legit if you were to just write something up, and filed it. It would cost more to fix the problems if something were to happen to you than it is worth. And I have never heard of the online forms? But your best bet is to have an Attorney draw one up for you, that way you know it is legal and legit! And a TRUST is something I suggest you set up as well. It will asure your family is taken care of the way you want! Good luck to you!

[Railroad (Premo)]

We bought a package called "Perfect Attorney" which is IMHO less than perfect, but it has all the standard formats and samples you'll need. Once done, you can have them notarized and be done with it. Put it in a safe place (meaning, fireproof) and make sure the family members all know where it is.

[pizzalady]

Originally Posted by Railroad

We bought a package called "Perfect Attorney" which is IMHO less than perfect, but it has all the standard formats and samples you'll need. Once done, you can have them notarized and be done with it. Put it in a safe place (meaning, fireproof) and make sure the family members all know where it is.

I will have to check in to that! Just FYI you can also take it to the Register of Wills and file it for only 5$.