[Timber Loftis]

LoA, sorry for not responding sooner. I think the price quoted for the materials is fair given the level of complexity and specificity of knowledge of the particular state probate and estate rules.

I will tell you this though, don't forget to ask about the default probate rules of the state. For instance, generally if you die, your wife gets either 50% of your estate or splits it evenly with the kids, with the kids getting the remainder. If these are the only heirs you want, then writing it in a will doesn't exactly change much.

Also, if you've got income in annuities or trusts, or in the case of life insurance, those have named beneficiaries they pay out to that you designate, so those things are also self-effecting.

For me, for instance, my most narrow point of concern is what happens if I and my wife both die or become incapacitated at the same time. I don't mind what the default rules dictate so long as my wife is around. If she too is dead or incapacitated, there can be a problem.

Note the difference between a Living Will (which deals with life-saving treatment for those who are terminally ill or otherwise won't recover, but won't stop doctors from reviving you in the event of, say, a heart attack) and a health care power of attorney or medical proxy (giving a designee the duty of what to do if you are incapacitated and need medical attention).

Also, note that these documents need to be made known, to lawyers and doctors, if they are to have any effect. Make sure to address this with any lawyer you work with, as no one can be expected to honor a document that is unknown to them.

FYI, at my current rate, the quoted $550 buys you just over 2.5 hours of work. That's fairly efficient for what you're asking for, and such flat rate quotes, common in this area of law, usually serve to save you money rather than cost you more.