Looking for a lawyer for estate planning - Memphis

[kckndrgn]

As the title says, I'm looking to get a will and living will setup for my family.  I know there are plenty of options out there but would like to have some recommendations from the TGO crowd.  Prefer the Memphis/Bartlett area.

 

If anyone can give a cost estimate that would be wonderful as well.

 

Not looking to do the online will's, had a relative do that just before passing and the will was tossed and the estate went to probate.

 

TIA

[oldogy]

Sorry, I can not make any recommendation for the west side of the state but cost should not be that much different east/west. I recently had my and my wife's will and medical powers of attorney updated by a seasoned attorney. The attorney fee was $350.   The wife and I spent almost two hours total during two sessions with the attorney discussing various issues and signing.

[Trekbike]

Not looking to do the online will's, had a relative do that just before passing and the will was tossed and the estate went to probate.

TIA

If you don't mind can you comment as to why it was not valid? There must have been something not done properly during the process because a lawyer is not required to have a valid will as far as I know.

[midtennchip]

No, a lawyer is not required to do a will. However, it is almost shocking how often we see wills that are improperly executed. There are basically two (2) types of wills, a holographic will (meaning one completely in the person's handwriting) and a formal will. A formal will MUST be executed EXACTLY as required by statute. But people either (i) don't know what is required or (ii) take a short cut. When a formal will is used, the court must assume that the will means EXACTLY what it says. The courts do not try to figure out what the person meant.

Now, as to the OP, I don't have a referral I can give. Patrick Stegall (used to advertise here, but not sure if he still does) could probably point you in the right direction.

[kckndrgn]

Thanks all.

 

I don't have the specifics on what was wrong with the will, just that something was not done correctly which invalidated the will and made for a nightmare (siblings squabbling they didn't get a fair share, etc.)