copying an estate plan with new info for others

[mitgr5200@yahoo]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I know a lawyer wouldn't necessarily reccomend it, but if my estate planning was done by a lawyer, and I am satisfied with it, could I just copy it and insert new names and info for my adult children to use as their estate plan? Of course, changing anything that is differant, but as a template, would that work?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I know a lawyer wouldn't necessarily reccomend it, but if my estate planning was done by a lawyer, and I am satisfied with it, could I just copy it and insert new names and info for my adult children to use as their estate plan? Of course, changing anything that is differant, but as a template, would that work?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

Q: could I just copy it and insert new names and info for my adult children to use as their estate plan?

A: Yes, if you don't care what happens to their stuff when they go.

 

[mitgr5200@yahoo]

copying estate plans

are there any replies to the question that are not sarcastic?

 

[seniorjudge]

are there any replies to the question that are not sarcastic?

That was not sarcastic; it was accurate.

 

[anteater]

are there any replies to the question that are not sarcastic?

OK. What are you talking about when you say "estate planning"? I have never heard of a legal document called "estate planning."

 

[Dandy Don]

If you are specifically talking about a will or trust, why would someone else want to use your plan? A legal document is of such importance that it should at least be reviewed by an attorney to make sure there are no errors or omissions that could cause complications if not corrected.

 

[seniorjudge]

If you are specifically talking about a will or trust, why would someone else want to use your plan? A legal document is of such importance that it should at least be reviewed by an attorney to make sure there are no errors or omissions that could cause complications if not corrected.

OK. What are you talking about when you say "estate planning"? I have never heard of a legal document called "estate planning."

Now y'all are hurting the poster's feelings....

 

[mitgr5200@yahoo]

it doesn't take much to substitue names and make other proper adjustments. Surley a mere mortal may make those changes? Does it really take such a superior human as a lawyer? A normal will and power of attorney etc. are routine for most people. I could see if it involved a complicated estate, or bussiness. If all information, except for the benificiaries and the deceased are the same, would it really be so difficult to do?

 

[seniorjudge]

it doesn't take much to substitue names and make other proper adjustments. Surley a mere mortal may make those changes? Does it really take such a superior human as a lawyer? A normal will and power of attorney etc. are routine for most people. I could see if it involved a complicated estate, or bussiness. If all information, except for the benificiaries and the deceased are the same, would it really be so difficult to do?

Three lawyers don't think this is a good idea.

If you think it is a good idea, then go ahead and do it.

The lawyers in your area need work....

 

[Dandy Don]

What gives you the moral authority and/or legal authority to do estate planning for someone else? Just come right out and say that you or the other party can't afford an attorney's professional services.

 

[pojo2]

A normal will and power of attorney etc. are routine for most people.

Yeah right!

 

[mitgr5200@yahoo]

not all can afford

It should come as no surprise that not all can afford an attorney. You didn't know that many people think Attorney's are way overpaid?

 

[pojo2]

It should come as no surprise that not all can afford an attorney.

Ask all those people who come here with legal problems that have cost them thousands if they now wish they had spent 200.00 instead of the thousands it is costing them now.

Do they ever go out ot eat, movies, sports events, bookstores, a new pair of Nikes for the kids when the old ones will last a bit longer, cell phones...see where I am going. For most of us it is called taking care of business, FIRST!

Question, do your adult children have minor children?

 

[mitgr5200@yahoo]

Thank You all

thanks to all, this is a terrific site

 

[divgradcurl]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I know a lawyer wouldn't necessarily reccomend it, but if my estate planning was done by a lawyer, and I am satisfied with it, could I just copy it and insert new names and info for my adult children to use as their estate plan? Of course, changing anything that is differant, but as a template, would that work?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

Of course, everyone above basically gave you sound advice -- that estate planning isn't something to be taken lightly, and if you want to do it right, you should really think about it, with a lawyer or not, before making changes to an estate plan.

That said, it would not technically be legal for YOU to make an estate plan for your children, unless you are licensed to practice law in your state. However, if you were to give your children a copy of your estate plan, and THEY were happy with it, THEY could make the changes themselves, and then sign it and have it properly witnessed.

Again, if there is any significant property in anyone's estate, this is probably not a great idea, but there is nothing illegal about it unless YOU write the estate plan for your children yourself.