What Does a Simple Will Cost?

Having a will is an important part of being a responsible adult. Many people do not create a will because they do not see the immediate need. Others do not because they believe that it is cost-prohibitive. You may be surprised to find that a simple will can be affordable and possibly even free 

There are three basic ways to make a simple will. Choose the method that you are most comfortable with and that meets your needs.

• You can create a will for free by doing an online search. You will find several websites that will give you the wording that you need to complete the will. Change the sections that are necessary to fit it to your situation. Then, sign the will in front of a notary public. Understand that, although this is free, it is the least effective type of will. A probate court may not find this type of will sufficient, but it will be better than not having one at all.


• Use a legal website or legal software to create a will. This will usually cost around $100. Although these wills are legally airtight compared to doing your own, it can still have its problems. Because these types of computer programs are one-size-fits-all, the will may not be tailored to your needs like it should. This could cause issues in probate later. 


• Consult with an attorney. This is the most thorough way to complete your simple will. It is also the most expensive way. Most attorneys will charge around $500 to complete the process.