[USER]

Any frugal way to plan a power of attorney and a will for an 18 year old?
I’ve recently turned 18 and want to ensure my affairs are in order in case of an emergency.

I’m looking for cost-effective options to create both a Power of Attorney (for financial and medical decisions) and a basic will.

Are there any online services, legal aid resources, or DIY templates that are reliable and budget-friendly?

Also, are there any legal pitfalls I should watch out for when setting these up?

Any advice from those who have gone through this process would be greatly appreciated!

[Darsey]

Find one online print it off and have it notarize.

[Liz]

If you do one on line, make sure the state you’re in will accept it

[Jenny]

Use an estate planning lawyer and get it done right the first time

[Elisabeth]

Buy a do it yourself book from Nolo Press. Go to a public law library. The librarian can help you find the right books.

DON’T just Google it! Retired law librarian here!

[Marissa]

Please make sure any firms you find online are 100% statutorially correct for your state. There are TONS of fakes online.

Best option is to see an estate planning attorney.

[Amy]

Signed up for legal insurance through my employer and got it done – cost me the insurance premium which added up to about $200 total for the year

[Jennifer]

Do it yourself documents are a great way for them not to work and to create a bigger problem.

Call legal aid or your local bar for a low cost attorney.

[Susan]

Most state bar associations have free legal advice sessions in each county..find out when and possibly attend.

You can find information on your states website as to what you need to do, can’t do and should do.

POA’s are pretty straightforward so that should not be costly.

At 18 yo if no real estate/property is held by the 18 yo then I would think a will would not be necessary at the moment as long as all bank, insurance policies and any investments have beneficiaries name that would take care of most needs for the 18 yo.

If the 18 yo has children or other larger estate needs then seeking a attorney to file a will although an expense would be worth getting it done right the first time.

One thing to think about is a durable medical power of attorney giving selected person the right to make medical decisions for them if in capatictated.

Many people don’t consider that for their 18 yo’s.

A living will should be talked about too at the time a will is made. Again not normal conversations for most 18 yo’s.

[Jody]

Our hospital gave us the paperwork for power of attorney and our bank notarized no charge.

This is in Washington state.

[Karen]

Power of attorney is only good if the person is alive. If the person died I think it is called a durable power of attorney.

I learned this the hard way.

[Author]

Posts