- 1). Formalize your wishes. Having a will drawn up will make your wishes nearly impossible to ignore. You can use one of the do-it-yourself will packages available online and at office supply stores, use one of the online versions that walk you through the steps or go to an attorney.
- 2). Call attorneys to check pricing. It is possible to spend more on an online, do-it-yourself will than an attorney would charge to draw up a simple, straightforward document. An advantage of having a lawyer draw up your will is that you always have one person to go to when you need to make changes. The attorney also keeps a copy on file for you.
- 3). Tell family and friends. Family sometimes expects to be the beneficiary upon the death of a relative. You don't have to broadcast the news, but you may want to let people know that for your own reasons, you have decided that your roommate will inherit the house. It is more difficult for a family member to protest the will if you've made your feelings known.
- 4). Leave room for change. While you may know at this moment who you would like to inherit your home, life and situations change. For instance, your roommate may predecease you, making your will a muddled mess. Be prepared to make alterations to the will as the situation dictates.
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