A Living Will Or The Real Thing?

[dsphilip]

Several months ago, I contacted a lawyer in Manila to have a will drawn up. I was told that the minimum charge would be something like U.S. $3,000. Since I am single with no dependents, my financial affairs are quite straightforward and I didn't proceed. Was just wondering if I can have a real will made at a more reasonable price (if so how much and where) or would a living will I make myself (and perhaps have notarized) be as good and legally valid? Any advice...much appreciated.

[Gerald Glatt]

There are programed forms from many office supply chains that are available for wills living trusts divorce power of attorney and other simple things.most are less than $50. and work like the Tax online sites I think you must print have notarized and send copy to your stateside representative some may even allow to be filed online but I have no clue where. I keep copies of my papers in my home and each of my children, also there is a copy with an attorney I used years ago..Should reread my will forget who gets my button collection and the instructions I left to one grandson on how to unfasten bras one handed,should be shared now.............

[JJReyes]

US $3,000 is the normal fee charged by an American lawyer. That amount in the Philippines is exorbitant.

 

When purchasing a program online, make sure the format is acceptable in your state of residency. Some states require inclusion of information that other states don't. The best one is a Revocable Living Trust if you have sufficient assets and you want to reduce your estate tax liability. Most of us are below that maximum so a simple will can suffice.

Edited August 29, 2014 by JJReyes

[Tukaram (Tim)]

I got one in the US for a couple hundred dollars.  I would never pay $3,000.  Here or in the US   But I have no idea what the normal charge is over here.   :tiphat:

[MikeB]

The "normal charge" is whatever they can get out of you. I had one guy give me a quote of p100k and he gave me some convoluted explanation that in the Philippines it had to go through probate - before you die. I balked and he said he could do it for about p10k but he would do much less. I thanked him for his time. Ended up downloading a template and getting it notarized by another one. I think he charged me about p500, still too much.

[Jack Peterson]

in the Philippines it had to go through probate - before you die.

 

:hystery:  :hystery:  :hystery:  :no: That has got to be the Scam, of the year 

[Dave Hounddriver]

In Philippines a Holographic Will is legal.  That is fancy legal talk for a simple, handwritten will.  Keep it simple, Something like:  I leave everything to my kids to split equally.

 

http://philippinewill.blogspot.com/

[MikeB]

There's some confusion here with the topic title. A living will is a healthcare directive outlining your wishes re: medical intervention. The OP's post and others pertain to a Last Will and Testament, used to distribute assets after your death. Both are legal documents. I don't know what the "Real Thing" refers to. The title should be changed.

[Dave Hounddriver]

a living will I make myself

A living will is a healthcare directive outlining your wishes

 

It seemed to me that the op was misstating Holographic Will as a 'living will'.  My best guess was that he did not know the correct term, but we hope he will confirm soon.

[earthdome]

Perhaps the OP was in regards to a Living Trust so that if you pass your assets can be handled without going through probate like a last will and testament.