Do you have a Will?

[Jenson71]

I don't, but I don't have any assets or dependents. I would like to get an unscientific view of what part of the posting population has gone to the trouble of writing out a will with a lawyer.

I'm also sort of planning for life after school, and I think I could open up a shop that specializes in elder law and estate planning.

If you have, what made you do it? How did you determine where to get your will written up?

If you haven't, why haven't you?

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by Inspector

It was part of a benefit package from my employer - who has since stopped offering that - but I don't have a clue about who recruited who.

Do you have any guesses as to how often that still happens in companies? Anyone have an idea?

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by truebigdog

I have one. With some of the things I did in the military, not only was it essentially mandated, but it just seemed like a good idea.

This.

[Inspector]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Do you have any guesses as to how often that still happens in companies? Anyone have an idea?

Not a clue - but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that benefits go away or are lessoned more often when jobs are more scarce. Not as much need to entice top performers to stay with your company.

But that's just a guess, I really don't know.

[Jenson71]

Also, what would you all think of a TV or radio commercial that advertised estate planning? Do you think that is kind of a desperate move (like personal injury lawyer ads) or a useful approach to helping start a quality estate planning firm?

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Nope, nope. I just have a Trusts and Estates class, and we've talked about different ways of dividing assets up to further generations. Let's say you outlive your sons, or some of them, unfortunately. Just wondering if the attorney you dealt with talked about dividing your assets up equally among the families (20% plain and simple) or equally among the generations, if you get what I'm saying.

Ah yes. Per stirpes and per capita. Good times...

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Also, what would you all think of a TV or radio commercial that advertised estate planning? Do you think that is kind of a desperate move (like personal injury lawyer ads) or a useful approach to helping start a quality estate planning firm?

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It's offering people a useful service that they may not realize they want until they see the advertisement.

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Ah yes. Per stirpes and per capita. Good times...

You know it. My professor is an associate reporter for the Uniform Probate Code, so we get a pretty convincing overview of the worth of distribution per capita under the UPC.

[rageeumr]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Also, what would you all think of a TV or radio commercial that advertised estate planning? Do you think that is kind of a desperate move (like personal injury lawyer ads) or a useful approach to helping start a quality estate planning firm?

There's a dude that advertises on 810. Regular spots as well as live reads by Kietzman. It's effective enough that I remember his name, even though I already have a will. I'm guessing the spots have a pretty decent ROI for him.

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by blaise

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It's offering people a useful service that they may not realize they want until they see the advertisement.

Okay, good. I'm not inclined to advertise on TV, but I figure at least at the beginning of a career, it can be helpful while you establish word of mouth reputation and reputation with other lawyers who can refer others to your office.

[luv]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Nope, nope. I just have a Trusts and Estates class, and we've talked about different ways of dividing assets up to further generations. Let's say you outlive your sons, or some of them, unfortunately. Just wondering if the attorney you dealt with talked about dividing your assets up equally among the families (20% plain and simple) or equally among the generations, if you get what I'm saying.

You mean per capita or per stirpes?

[luv]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

Also, what would you all think of a TV or radio commercial that advertised estate planning? Do you think that is kind of a desperate move (like personal injury lawyer ads) or a useful approach to helping start a quality estate planning firm?

I would tend to shy away from TV advertising. JMO. We have a couple here who do it for estate planning, and I think it's kind of creepy. I don't really see any other way of getting your name out there until you get well established in your community, though. We get most of our business from referrals (whether from clients or other attorneys in the area), or we have a website.

[MOhillbilly]

I will never die.

[Mr. Plow]

Neither my wife or I have one, but with 4 young kids, we need to get one done.

[luv]

I have a question for those who chose the option regarding intestacy in your state being good enough. Were you serious? If so, I wonder what your situation is like. Young, no assets, and no heirs?

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by luv

You mean per capita or per stirpes?

Yeah. There are a few different patterns, but the per capita at each generation seems to be a version that clients more often prefer after knowing all possibilities.