topic Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill? in Among Friends

Has Anyone Used Freewill?

BunSnoop — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:27:19 GMT

As some of you may already know, my husband passed away last Friday. We did not have a will. I'm terrified that if something should happen to me and I pass away before I go to an estate attorney that the state/government will then get involved and create what I'm sure will be a nightmare for my family.

For the period from now and until I meet and finalize a will with the estate attorney, I found a site called Freewill. It has very good reviews. I was thinking of creating a will on the website (it states it takes about 20 minutes) and you then have to have it notarized with 2 witnesses.

It sounds like when I have the new will completed by an estate attorney they would need to state in the 2nd will that this new will revokes the old will.

I know I need to go to an actual estate attorney soon but I was thinking perhaps this may be sufficient for the period in between. I just worry that because of all the stress I'm going through right now that it may affect my health and cause me to die. Or, I could be in a car accident and die, etc.

Anyone else use Freewill or a similar on-line product?

Thank you!!!

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

Puzzle Piece — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:31:07 GMT

Truly sorry for your loss.

Do you want a will or a trust? Look into a trust as well.

It is overwhelming doing all the legal paperwork and getting things put in order. Best to you.

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

Desertdi — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:04:41 GMT

@BunSnoop

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband.

If you own anything...house, car, motor home, condo, boat...PLEASE SEE A COMPETENT FINANCIAL OR ESTATE LAWYER.

I know this is a very difficult time for you...but put this on the top of your list of things you MUST do.

Your financial advisor can take care of changing the beneficiary on your accounts. di

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

Boehm Collector — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:28:03 GMT

@BunSnoop ..... please accept my condolences for hour loss. I am a retired attorney. I am not familiar with Freewill. But none of the Wills I have seen that were prepared online were all that good. I think you should save your money and see an attorney.

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

patbz — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:54:59 GMT

My attorney stated that something in writing is better than nothing (obvious implication is he's better than doing it yourself). Once again I suggest reading a trust for dummies before doing anything but do something in writing before you start Attorney process. Do you own a home, business, vehicle, have children?

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

beach-mom — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:07:23 GMT

@BunSnoop - I'm so sorry about your husband's passing. You have some great advice here, including a caution about using an online site. I believe something this important should be handled by an attorney.

Take care, rest, and let those around you take care of you. (((HUGS)))

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

geezerette — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:54:42 GMT

As you put accounts into your own name you can always name beneficiaries that would inherit if something happened to you. I'm not sure a will you make now would be able to automatically convey any joint property since you would be making it after your husband has passed.

If you're that concerned about the near term, I would call or even visit an attorney for a consultation and ask their opinion.

Re: Has Anyone Used Freewill?

Snowpuppy — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 20:20:16 GMT

As @Desertdi said, if you own anything, I wouldn't do it. Hire a competent probate attorney.

I was stunned to learn in my home state that if I passed, my siblings came before DS without a will.