Five years ago I could not have imagined that I would be writing my will today at 26. But after having 6 family members pass on in 2008 including my father and grandfather, I realize how important it is to "have your affairs in order" regardless of your age or health status. I have also been thinking about all the drugs I take for my psoriatic arthritis and all of their wonderful side effects - anything could happen. I considered paying an attorney to write my will, but I do not want a cookie-cutter will. I decided instead to use books and computer software to write my will and create other documents (power of attorney, trusts, etc.). I am going to have an attorney who is a friend, review all the documents before signing and witnessing.
I have found that it is so difficult to make decisions about who will inherit your assets, especially if you do not have a spouse or children. I have thought about giving to several charities - especially The Arthritis Foundation. However, I am going to have to do more research on how they use their donations before I make a final decision.
I was wondering if you found any particular sites that would help me to write my will. I just can't afford an attorney. My husband died Aug 26, 2008 and I have some special family things that I know I should write down who they should go to and it be legal. My mother is 93 and over the years had given me things that my sister wants back to be divided, since she had dementia now, nothing she gives us now is legal. My husband's mother went through the same thing and rather than fight for what she had given him, he just gave up and let his brother's wife take it all. (She and her psychiatrist best friend had his mother sign over power of attorney without anyone knowing about it. His brother had cancer and died a month before his mother, so there was no way to just involve the brothers) So I know a will and power of attorney need to be signed by me to prevent such an occurance.