Free Estate Planning Forms
Free estate planning forms can be found at a number of places online. Of course, none of these websites are a substitute for personal legal advice. However, whether you are preparing for a meeting with an attorney or have decided to "go it alone", then these sites can provide useful information to help you in make an informed decision. Here's some links to places to find free estate planning forms.
Advance Directive (Living Will) Forms
Let's start with Advance Directive Forms. An Advance Directive (sometimes called a Living Will) provides specific instructions regarding your wishes for medical care when you cannot speak for yourself. A properly prepared advance directive should be a written document that records your choices. It can be prepared by an attorney, but doesn’t have to be. We don’t recommend the "checklist" forms, but hope that you will take the time to write your wishes after you have discussed them with your family.
The American Bar Association's (ABA's) website has a toolkit that provides basic information about advance directives. Bill Moyers PBS special produced a wonderful discussion guide called "On Our Own Terms" that provides some thought-provoking information about the choices available to you and how those choices should be presented in an Advance Directive.
It is important to remember that each state has its own laws regarding advance directives, and sometimes its own form. Your local hospital is required by Federal law to provide state specific information to you about advance directives in your state. The Patient Representative or Social Services Department at your local hospital can provide you with this information.
Once you have completed your advance directive, we recommend you register it with the U S Living Will Registry. This organization has been electronically storing Advance Directives since 1996 and makes them available to hospitals and health care providers. In addition to making your advance directive available 24/7, this organization sends a letter each year to update your personal and emergency contact information. Their website Living Will Registry also includes a link to other websites that contain free downloadable advance directive forms for each state.
Free Will Forms
You can find "free" will forms at Free Will Forms. The catch is you have to pay $5.95 shipping and handling.
Here's another source for a free sample will form.
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, UK Will Forms offers free will forms with every purchase.
Charitable Remainder Trust Forms
Sample forms specific to Charitable Remainder Trusts may be found on the Charitable Trust website Charitable Remainder Trust Forms . While these are specific to the Renaissance Group, they will give you a feel for the limitless possibilities available in providing a charitable remainder trust.
The Internal Revenue Service has also published two documents that contain useful information if you are considering a charitable trust. Publication 526 Charitable Contributions provides general information and Publication 561 Determining the Value of Donated Property provides information on determining value. Both of these documents can be accessed through the IRS website Pubs 526 and 561.
Free Estate Planning Forms
Finally, a good site to find all sorts of free estate planning forms is at Free Legal Document.com.
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