Single mother and will

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2004
Single mother and will
5
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 5:30pm

Hi everyone,

This might be off topic. Well, I've been legally divorced since last summer and I couldn't be happier. However, the one thing that has been nagging at me is that I don't have a will. I'm from a foreign country and I have no family members in the US. I want my mom who lives in my native country to take care of my (little) assets if I die before my kids. (I have two and they're still young.) I do own a house and have a relatively nice car, besides usual jewelry, etc. I talked to my lawyer and he told me to designate 2 executors, which I did. One of them speaks my native language so she can communicate with my mom.

My question to you ladies is if there's a way to do it myself. I trust my lawyer and we kind of developed friendship, but I really don't want to sepend lots of money. Has anyone made a will on your own? Is there a web site, software, etc. that I could use?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 6:42pm

My advise, for what it's worth, is to spend the money. This is too important to hope that it's done properly.

Of course, if it's a matter of do-it-yourself or nothing, then it's probably better to have something than nothing. I just feel more comfortable leaving legal matters that regard my daughter to the experts.

Good luck!

Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
Fri, 12-31-2004 - 8:35am
I'm in the same position although language isn't an issue. I would second the suggestion to get legal help with this. There are intricacies in the immigration laws etc that need to be watched for and only an expert can do that. I wouldn't put my families interests in the hands of an impersonal website or anyone not familiar with your owm situation and needs. Best wishes.

MS
A man's got to do what a man's got to do.
A woman must do what he can't.

MS
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2004
Fri, 12-31-2004 - 1:00pm
Thank you, both of you, for your replies. Yes, I'm planning on having my lawyer finalize it before I do anything official. I was just wondering if there's any resources that I could use in the process so I can save a little money. Have you discussed it with your attorney? It would be so much easier if I had family members in the country. Thank you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Sat, 01-01-2005 - 10:58am

I paid an attorney to make my will and I'd gladly pay again if I need to have the will updated. A will is a very important thing, especially when you want to protect your assets for your children. If anything happened to me and my ex got a hold of my money/house, there would be absolutely nothing left for my son.

My will takes every measure possible to make sure those assets never go to my ex husband and I wouldn't have felt comfortable drawing up any of it on my own.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Sat, 01-01-2005 - 1:58pm

Hey fivesense,

I did the exact same thing!! I totally agree with you on this post. Write an update for us!! We would love to hear about your new year!!