Preparing to Create a Will

[April2228]

My question involves estate planning in the state of: Wisconsin
I'm going to start planning my own will and have a couple of questions. Do I need a lawyer or can I print the forms from the internet, fill them out myself and have them notarized/witness signed? Does my completed will need to be filed with the courthouse in order to be valid? If I create a video/dvd of my last wishes, can that be substituted for a written will? Thanks.

[harrylime]

Do I need a lawyer or can I print the forms from the internet, fill them out myself and have them notarized/witness signed?

You are not required to have an attorney prepare a will. And, if your wishes are not complicated, the do-it-yourself may be sufficient.

Does my completed will need to be filed with the courthouse in order to be valid?

It is not required. But Wisconsin allows you to deposit a will for safekeeping with the court for a small fee. One way or the other, be certain that the nominated executor (and maybe a few others) know where you have stored the will.

If I create a video/dvd of my last wishes, can that be substituted for a written will?

No, the will must be written, signed, and witnessed.