I just wanted some unbiased opinions about estate planning. Has anyone used online services like Legal Zoom, to do wills, trust and the like? Is it better to use a local lawyer? I’ve never needed any legal services, so I don’t know any local attorneys.

I used Legal Zoom to set up an LLC, and was pleased. Keep in mind, they will try and up-sale the hell out of you, but having an idea of what you want and need can make it a very affordable option.

On a side note, I am almost positive that you can lay out your wishes (a will) using a free program online and have it notarized. This is accepted by law as well.

Hire a local lawyer. I’m not saying that because I am a lawyer. I’m saying it because you want to make sure it is done correctly to Alabama state law.

In Alabama a Will has to have more than a notary to be legal.

Hire a lawyer based in Alabama that has experience establishing Wills, Trusts and other legacy planning vehicles. The ability to ask questions, fine tune and ensure that what is established meets your wants/needs and matches applicable law and tax considerations is too important to use an online service, in my opinion.

If you have enough capitol to worry about estate planning and trust, you should have enough to hire a lawyer.

My thoughts too. If you are fortunate enough to be in that situation then you want to make sure it is done correctly. I'd trust an experienced lawyer over a generic computer program. I used to be otherwise for simple stuff until Turbo Tax cost me money a few years ago. Now we let an accounting firm do our taxes and it isn't that much more that the computer program after they tell you that you have to upgrade from the version you paid for in order to finish.

If it’s on the web, it must be true!

Hire a lawyer

I’ve used Legal Zoom for an LLC, and was very satisfied. My estate isn’t that complicated, but I want that peace of mind. I’ll probably spend the extra cash and go loca.

Is it a notary and two witnesses? I think that's what we did for ours but I can't remember currently. Also reminds me I need to update ours.

OP - Definitely use a local lawyer or at least one in Alabama if you have a lawyer friend that may not be local. Ease of mind and making sure it's up to snuff is important with these legal documents that others will rely on once you've passed.

To be valid the Will does *not* need to be notarized.

But it must have two witnesses.

However, the better practice is to have it notarized, meaning that the notary is verifying certain things with respect to
the Will maker *and* the two witnesses - and this creates what is known as a "self proving will". With a self proving will there is no need
to have the two witnesses come to probate court to verify the will. So it can be admitted to probate without that initial hearing, which saves
time and money.

Thanks, I didn't know that I just trust my lawyer to do the right thing. Better to have a "Self proving will" than not I would say. Why not take the extra time to get the notary, especially since I've never seen a law firm that didn't have one on hand.

What he said.