| GENERAL INFORMATION |
| How to cancel a service? |
| Below are the procedures for cancelling a number of TotalLegal services. You have entered ... more |
| What are your prices (cost)? |
| Estate Planning Products Last Will and Testament: $19.95 Power of Attorney: $19.95 Living ... more |
| What if I need to make changes to the Personal Information section for a document? |
| If a name has been misspelled, or an address needs to be changed for a document that has a... more |
| Are documents created using TotalLegal legal? |
| TotalLegal's goal is to provide self-help estate planning forms that cover many situat... more |
| How do I download and print my documents? |
| To download and print your document(s), do the following: Log into your account by enter... more |
| TotalLegal Customer Service Information |
| TotalLegal provides fast and courteous customer service. For the fastest response please ... more |
| How do I purchase a document? |
| A customer pays for the document after completing the interview. TotalLegal is designed t... more |
| For how long may I make changes to my document after purchase? |
| With a TotalLegal purchase you have 60 days to update and download your documents as often... more |
| How do I make changes to my document(s)? |
| To make changes to your documents: Log in to your account by entering your e-mail address ... more |
| Billing issues. |
| For any concerns about prices or credit card charges please contact customer service at in... more |
| Can I view a sample document? |
| Unfortunately, TotalLegal documents are generated with information the customer provides ... more |
| How do I delete my documents or remove my personal information from TotalLegal? |
| All unpurchased documents are automatically removed from TotalLegal.com during routine mai... more |
| How long will it take to receive my documents in the mail? |
| If you choose to have TotalLegal ship your documents to you by postal mail, the documents ... more |
| What is your Guarantee? |
| Your purchases are backed by a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. Simply e-mail cust... more |
| How to save document information. |
| Document information is saved by creating a TotalLegal account. There are a number of way... more |
| How do I create an account? |
| To create a TotalLegal account simply: Begin the interview for any type of document, for e... more |
| Will I get a receipt after I make my purchase? |
| After you submit your payment a transaction receipt will be e-mailed to you. You may also... more |
| How to log back into your account. |
| To log back into your account, enter your e-mail address and password in the upper right c... more |
| I forgot my password or other login information. |
| If you have forgotten your password, you may have it sent to you by e-mail by clicking the... more |
| My E-mail address has changed. |
| You may update your email address using this procedure: Log in to your account in the uppe... more |
| What is the TotalLegal privacy policy? |
| TotalLegal is committed to providing a private and secure site. Your account, document, a... more |
| Does TotalLegal accept any form of payment other than credit or debit cards? |
| Unfortunately, we currently only accept online credit or debit card payment (Visa, Masterc... more |
| Does it matter if I use my P.O. Box instead of my actual physical address on my estate planning documents? |
| While it is generally best to use the address where you actually reside, using a P.O. Box ... more |
| How do I update my email address, password or credit card information? |
| Choose the "Account Settings" menu option under the "My Account" menu ... more |
| What if I don't have an e-mail address? |
| If you do not have an e-mail address you may enter a name for this account in the email ad... more |
| How do I update my shipping address? |
| Under the "My Documents" menu item select "Account Settings" and enter... more |
| What is the difference between an Acknowledgement and a Jurat? |
| With an acknowledgement, the notary is certifying that the signer appeared before the nota... more |
| How do I change my password? |
| Log in to your account in the upper right portion of this page using your e-mail address ... more |
| What estate planning documents can I create using TotalLegal? |
| Last Will and Testament: Also known simply as a Will, a Last Will and Testament allows you... more |
| Does TotalLegal offer Living Trusts? |
| No, we do not offer Living Trusts at the present time. |
| WILLS |
| What makes a Will legal? |
| A Will must be properly signed (executed) in order to be legal and valid. The process of s... more |
| Choosing witnesses for a Will. |
| Two witnesses are required to the signing of a Will. The witnesses may be called upon to ... more |
| Is my state supported? |
| TotalLegal creates Wills for 49 states and the District of Columbia. Louisiana is not incl... more |
| Signing a Will |
| Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more |
| What is probate? |
| Probate is the legal process following a person's death that includes: Proving the a... more |
| What is a self-proving affidavit? |
| A self-proving affidavit appropriate for use in your state will be included with your Will... more |
| What is a codicil and does TotalLegal offer this option? |
| A codicil is an addition to a Last Will and Testament. A codicil may explain, modify, add ... more |
| Where should I keep my Will? |
| After the Will is signed, it should be placed in a safe place known to others. You may ma... more |
| How to create a trust for your children. |
| TotalLegal provides two options for child trusts that are created in a Will. To view the ... more |
| Can I choose an executor that is also a beneficiary of the Will? |
| Yes, as an example a family member is often chosen as the executor and is also a beneficia... more |
| My Will mentions an "inter vivos" gift. What does this mean? |
| "Inter vivos" is Latin for "between the living" and it refers to somet... more |
| I already have a Will. How do I revoke it? |
| TotalLegal Wills contain a clause which revokes any Wills created earlier. The new Will m... more |
| What happens if one or both of the witnesses that signed my will die before I do? |
| A Will that was valid when it was originally executed remains valid, even if one or both o... more |
| Does a Last Will and Testament ever expire? |
| A Last Will and Testament does not expire. However, if a new Will is executed, it replace... more |
| How long will it take to receive my Will? |
| Your completed Will will be e-mailed to you immediately after purchase, it will also be av... more |
| Can married couples create one Will that covers both people? |
| No, that is called a "Joint Will" and may not be created using TotalLegal. The ... more |
| What is residuary estate? |
| Residuary estate is all of the property that is left over after all specific gifts are dis... more |
| What is the difference between "per capita" and "per stirpes?" |
| Per Capita is Latin for "by head." Decedent has three children: A,B, and C. Ch... more |
| How do I add more gifts of cash or specific bequests? |
| If you have more gifts of cash or specific bequests than will not fit into the interview, ... more |
| Where are the names of my children listed in my Will? |
| If you have any questions concerning the way your Will lists your heirs, please first revi... more |
| What are the responsibilities of a guardian? |
| The term "guardian" has different meanings in different states, but generally speaking, gu... more |
| Who are my heirs? |
| The terms "heirs," or "heirs at law," refer to those persons who will ... more |
| Glossary for Wills |
| Codicil: A document that adds to, subtracts from, qualifies, modifies, revokes, or otherw... more |
| Does TotalLegal work for Same Sex married couples? |
| Unfortunately, TotalLegal documents are generated with the marital designation of Wife and... more |
| Can I have my Will witnessed by people who do not live in my home state? |
| There is no requirement that the witnesses to your Will be from the same state where you r... more |
| Is there a difference between an "Executor" and a "Personal Representative" in the context of a Florida Will?
|
| No. While most states use the term "Executor" to refer to the person who is appointed by t... more |
| "Heirs" Defined, Part 1 (Alabama - Montana) |
| To see how your state defines as your "heirs" if you die without a Will or die w... more |
| "Heirs" Defined, Part 2 (Nebraska - Wyoming) |
| To see how your state defines as your "heirs" if you die without a Will or die w... more |
| How many witnesses are required for a Vermont Will? |
| According to 14 V.S.A. § 5, a Will in Vermont must be "attested and subscribed by two... more |
| Does a widow/widower choose married or single for marital status? |
| A widow or widower should choose 'Single' as their marital status. |
| What is the price for a Will? |
| The price for a Will is $19.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. |
| Does a Will need to be notarized? |
| No, a notary is not required in order to create a legal and valid Will. |
| Does TotalLegal offer will codicils? |
| No, a codicil may not be created using TotalLegal at this time. |
| LIVING WILLS (Advanced Health Care Directives) |
| What is the difference between a Last Will and Testament and a Living Will? |
| A Last Will and Testament, commonly referred to as a Will, allows you to specify who will ... more |
| What makes a Living Will legal? |
| A Living Will must be properly signed (executed) in order to be legal and valid. The proce... more |
| Signing a Living Will (Advanced Health Care Directive) |
| Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more |
| Does a living will need to be notarized? |
| No, in the majority of states a notary is not required. North Carolina, South Carolina, a... more |
| What is euthanasia? |
| The act or practice of killing or permitting the death of a person who is terminally ill o... more |
| May I make changes to my Living Will after I purchase it? |
| Yes, you may make changes to your Living Will for 60 days after purchase at no additional ... more |
| Will my Advanced Health Care Directive (Living Will) contain a HIPAA release? |
| Yes. TotalLegal Advanced Health Care Directives (Living Wills) contain a "HIPAA Rele... more |
| What is the price for a Living Will? |
| Our Living Will, also known as an Advanced Health Care Directive, is FREE. |
| What is the difference between a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney? |
| A Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney are two different legal documents, each serv... more |
| What is a "Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care?" |
| The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (also commonly known as a Medical Power of A... more |
| Is my state supported? |
| Yes, TotalLegalT creates Living Wills for all 50 states. |
| Is a doctor required to follow a Living Will? |
| Doctors and healthcare providers are generally required by law to follow a Living Will. |
| Who can create a Living Will? |
| A Living Will may be created by an adult that is at least 18 years old and of sound mind. |
| FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY |
| What makes a Power of Attorney legal? |
| A Power of Attorney must be properly signed (executed) in order to be legal and valid. The... more |
| Signing a Financial Power of Attorney |
| Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more |
| What happens to a power of attorney after the person dies? |
| After the Principal (the person who the power of attorney was created for) dies, the Power... more |
| What types of things does a Financial Power of Attorney cover? |
| You may choose any or all of the following to be covered by the Power of Attorney. Real Es... more |
| Will a Power of Attorney work in a different state than the state where the Principal lives? |
| As a practical matter, being able to use a Power of Attorney depends on whether the instit... more |
| Does a Power of Attorney ever expire? |
| A durable Power of Attorney, which is a Power of Attorney that remains in effect even if t... more |
| What is the price for a Power of Attorney? |
| The price for a Financial Power of Attorney, also sometimes called a Power of Attorney for... more |
| How long is a Financial Power of Attorney document? |
| A TotalLegal Power of Attorney document ranges in length from 5-17 pages, the length depen... more |
| What is a "springing" Power of Attorney? |
| If a Power of Attorney contains language indicating that it becomes effective upon disabil... more |
| How long will it take to receive my Power of Attorney? |
| Your completed Power of Attorney will be e-mailed to you immediately after purchase, it wi... more |
| May I make changes to my Power of Attorney after I purchase it? |
| Yes, you may make changes to your Power of Attorney for 60 days after purchase at no addit... more |
| Can my Agent live in a different state than I do? |
| There is no requirement that your Agent (also known as an Attorney-in-Fact) reside in the ... more |
| Is my TotalLegal Financial Power of Attorney revocable?
|
| Yes. All TotalLegal Powers of Attorney are revocable, which means they can be revoked at ... more |
| What if I am told that there is a problem with the form of my Power of Attorney? |
| Most states have enacted their own legislation, commonly referred to as either a Power of ... more |
| Can a resident of one state have a document notarized by a Notary Public in a different state? |
| Yes. A legal document can usually be notarized by any Notary Public in any state, regardle... more |
| What is the difference between an "Agent" and a "Qualified Agent?" |
| An "Agent" is the person authorized in a Power of Attorney to exercise certain p... more |
| Will an Advanced Health Care Directive (Living Will) and/or Health Care Power of Attorney work in a different state than the state where the Principal lives? |
| As a practical matter, being able to use an Advanced Directive or Health Care Power of Att... more |
| What is the difference between a "Successor Agent" and a "Co-Agent?" |
| A Successor Agent is the person who will take over the responsibilities of the designated ... more |
| Why would a third party, such as a bank, refuse to accept a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania? |
| On December 21, 2010, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down its decision in Vine v. S... more |
| Is my TotalLegal Power of Attorney for Finance affected by the new Florida Power of Attorney Act? |
| Yes. Any Power of Attorney executed on or after October 1, 2011 must comply with the new ... more |
| Is an Agent in a Financial Power of Attorney personally responsible for the debts of the Principal? |
| Generally speaking, an Agent is not personally responsible for the debts of the Principal ... more |
| Is the Durable Power of Attorney for Finances that I executed before October 1, 2011 still valid despite the recent changes to the Florida Power of Attorney statute? |
| Yes. However, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances that was executed before October 1... more |
| Is my state supported? |
| Yes, TotalLegalT creates powers of attorney for all 50 states. |
| MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY |
| Signing a Medical Power of Attorney |
| Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more |
| What is the price for a Medical Power of Attorney? |
| The price for a Medical Power of Attorney, also known as a Health Care Power of Attorney,... more |
| How long will it take to receive my Power of Attorney? |
| Your completed Power of Attorney will be e-mailed to you immediately after purchase, it wi... more |
| May I make changes to my Medical Power of Attorney after I purchase it? |
| Yes, you may make changes to your Power of Attorney for 60 days after purchase at no addit... more |
| Can my Agent live in a different state than I do? |
| There is no requirement that your Agent (also known as an Attorney-in-Fact) reside in the ... more |
| Is my TotalLegal Health Care (Medical) Power of Attorney revocable?
|
| Yes. All TotalLegal Powers of Attorney are revocable, which means they can be revoked at ... more |
| Can a resident of one state have a Power of Attorney notarized by a Notary Public in a different state? |
| Yes. A legal document, such as a Power of Attorney, can be notarized by any Notary Public ... more |
| Is an Agent in a Medical Power of Attorney personally responsible for the debts of the Principal? |
| Generally speaking, an Agent is not personally responsible for the debts of the Principal ... more |
| What is a "Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care?" |
| The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (also commonly known as a Medical Power of A... more |
| BILL OF SALE |
| Does a Bill of Sale have to be recorded? |
| Generally, a Bill of Sale does not need to be recorded. The purpose of recording a deed o... more |
| What is a Bill of Sale? |
| A Bill of Sale is a document that serves several purposes. Some states require a Bill of ... more |
| When do I need a Bill of Sale? |
| In some states a Bill of Sale is needed in order to transfer title to a motor vehicle, wat... more |
| What does a Bill of Sale look like? |
| Although a valid Bill of Sale will always, at a minimum, contain certain standard pieces o... more |
| What if a mistake is made when the title is transferred? |
| It is of the utmost importance that no errors are made when the Seller signs the title ove... more |
| Does my state offer a motor vehicle Bill of Sale? |
| These are links to free state vehicle transfer forms. Not all states offer a Bill of Sale... more |
| Do the signatures on a Bill of Sale need to be notarized? |
| Whether notarization is required depends on the laws of your state. If you are not sure i... more |
| What information is typically listed on a Bill of Sale? |
| At a minimum, a Bill of Sale should always contain the following: . The type of property b... more |
| What does "as is" mean? |
| "As is" means that the Seller offers no warranties. However, an "as is" warranty that say... more |
| If there is more than one Seller and/or more than Buyer does everyone have to sign the title to transfer ownership?
|
| If there is more than one owner listed on the title, all Sellers must generally sign the t... more |
| What if a mistake is made on the title?
|
| If you have any questions concerning how to properly execute or complete the title in orde... more |
| Who signs the Bill of Sale? |
| The Seller(s) of property must always sign a Bill of Sale. In some states, the Buyer(s) m... more |
| What if the Buyer is not paying the entire purchase price in full? |
| Commonly, a Bill of Sale transfers ownership from one person to another with the entire pu... more |
| What happens after the Bill of Sale is signed and the purchase has been made? |
| Both Seller and Purchaser must comply with any and all state requirements for selling and ... more |
| How much is sales tax?
|
| The amount of sales tax varies by jurisdiction as well as sometimes by the type of propert... more |
| What does "choice of law" mean? |
| When the Seller and Purchaser are clear in the terms of their agreement and both understan... more |
| What if the odometer has "rolled over?" |
| If the odometer, whether it has five or six digits, has reached its mechanical limit and s... more |
| Do I need a Bill of Sale if the Seller is signing the motor vehicle title over to the Buyer? |
| Some states only require the Seller to sign the title over to Purchaser in order to transf... more |
| What is an implied warranty of title? |
| Every contract for the sale any type of property contains an implied warranty (even if it ... more |
| What if the Seller is unable to provide me with a title to the vehicle I am purchasing? |
| A Purchaser should never buy a vehicle if the Seller cannot provide you with the title, un... more |
| What does "as is" with warranty of title mean? |
| "As is" with warranty of title means the Seller makes no guarantees about the item other t... more |
| What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)? |
| A Hull Identification Number, or HIN, is a 12-digit alphanumeric unique serial number that... more |
| What is an express warranty? |
| An express warranty is the Seller's guarantee that the item being sold is of a certain qua... more |
| Is sales tax included in the sales price or in addition to the sales price? |
| Whether to include sales tax in the sales price or not is a matter to be determined by the... more |
| Why am I being asked if mechanical work was done on the vehicle that impacted the odometer reading? |
| If the odometer reading has been reset or altered in any way, the Seller must generally di... more |
| What is an "Odometer Disclosure Statement"? |
| Some states require an Odometer Disclosure Statement, which provides not only the current ... more |
| What does "severability" mean? |
| When the Seller and Purchaser are clear in the terms of their agreement and both understan... more |
| Where can I find an Aircraft Bill of Sale provided by the FAA? |
| An Aircraft Bill of Sale is available free on the FAA website at: http://forms.faa.gov/for... more |
| What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? |
| A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-digit alphanumeric unique serial number t... more |
| Who retains the original Bill of Sale once it has been signed? |
| The Purchaser(s) generally retains the original Bill of Sale after it has been executed al... more |
| What does "as is" with no warranties mean? |
| "As is" with no warranties means that the Seller makes no guarantees about the item includ... more |
| Is the Buyer required to sign the Bill of Sale? |
| Some states require the Buyer(s) to sign the Bill of Sale. If you are not sure if your sta... more |
| What does "tenths of miles" mean? |
| The mileage of a vehicle is measured on the odometer. An odometer has either five or six ... more |
| What is the "model"? |
| The "model" refers to the particular type of vehicle or watercraft made by the manufacture... more |
| What is a serial number? |
| Aircrafts, electronics, and appliances as well as a number of other types of property are ... more |
| What is an odometer reading? |
| The odometer reading is the five or six digit number located in on the odometer, which tel... more |
| What is "consideration"? |
| "Consideration" is simply the legal term for purchase price. You will often see "consider... more |
| What is the "body style/body type"? |
| The body style is a description of the model such as 2-door, 4-door, wagon, etc. |
| What is the "make"? |
| The "make" refers to the name of the manufacturer. For example: Ford, Toyota, Honda, etc. |
| What is the price for a Bill of Sale? |
| The price for a Bill of Sale is $9.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. |
| DEEDS |
| What is a Quitclaim Deed? |
| A Quitclaim Deed is used to transfer the rights of one or more Grantors to one or more Gra... more |
| How do I know which type of deed is right for my circumstances? |
| Quitclaim Deeds are commonly used between parties who are related or otherwise familiar wi... more |
| What is a Warranty Deed? |
| Sometimes referred to as a "General Warranty Deed," this type of deed provides t... more |
| Does a Deed need to be signed in front of a Notary Public? |
| The signature of the Grantor(s) must be acknowledged in front of a Notary Public. This me... more |
| Does the Grantee need to sign the deed? |
| While many jurisdictions only require the Grantor(s) to sign the deed, because some also r... more |
| What is a life estate? |
| A life estate is an interest in property retained by a person, commonly the Grantor, throu... more |
| What is a Special Warranty Deed? |
| Sometimes referred to as a "Limited Warranty Deed," this type of deed provides l... more |
| What is a homestead? |
| "Homestead" commonly refers to real estate that is a permanent home or residence... more |
| How do I know if the prior deed was recorded? |
| A recorded deed should bear some type of stamp from the Clerk or Register of Deeds indicat... more |
| Who should be listed as the person the deed is returned to? |
| Generally, the name and address of the Grantee is used in order to ensure that the origina... more |
| What is an exception? |
| An exception is language in a deed that specifies that a particular portion of the propert... more |
| Who should be listed as the person to whom the property tax statements should be sent to? |
| Generally, the name and address of the Grantee is used in order to ensure that all future ... more |
| What is the purchase price? |
| The purchase price is the actual amount of money or other valuable consideration that the ... more |
| What is a reservation? |
| A reservation is language in a deed that specifies that a portion of the property, or poss... more |
| How do I give another person an interest in my real estate while retaining my interest? |
| The most common method for giving another person an interest in real estate is to properly... more |
| I answered "no" to the question of whether money is being exchanged for the property. Why does my Deed state that $10.00 is being exchanged? |
| Please be advised that the TotalLegal online interview states that choosing "no"... more |
| What if there are two or more Grantors or Grantees listed on a Deed, but they cannot sign in front of the same notary public? |
| Your TotalLegal Deed contains one section for the Grantor(s) to sign in front of a notary ... more |
| I am in a domestic partnership/civil union, but that option isn't given in the online interview for deeds. What are my options? |
| If you are in a domestic partnership or civil union, you may select "married" as... more |
| What is the price for a Quitclaim Deed? |
| The price for a Quitclaim Deed is $19.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit card... more |
| What is the price for a Warranty Deed? |
| The price for a Warranty Deed is $19.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards... more |
| Where do I add the transfer tax exemptions code on my Arizona Deed? |
| In Arizona, there are 21 reasons why a transfer of real estate can be exempt from the requ... more |
| Is my deed exempt from Virginia recordation tax? |
| If your Deed is exempt from the Virginia recordation tax, enter the applicable Virginia Co... more |
| Is the signature of the Grantor required? |
| Yes. The Grantor(s) signature is always required on a valid deed. |
| Do we need to have the signing of the deed witnessed by someone other than the Notary Public? |
| Florida and Georgia require two witnesses. |
| LLCs |
| I just purchased my LLC. How long will it take before my LLC is approved? |
| The LLC process is as follows:
1. After confirming your name, your LLC document package ... more |
| How can I get information on applying for a federal tax identification number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)? |
| An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification numb... more |
| Who can be a registered agent? |
| A registered agent may be either (1) a person who is a resident of the state where the LLC... more |
| How long will it take for the state to approve my LLC? |
| The processing time varies from state to state, and week to week. Processing time means th... more |
| What is an organizer? |
| An organizer is the person or people responsible for taking the steps necessary to set up ... more |
| Do all states require a registered agent? |
| Yes, although depending on the state, the registered agent may instead be referred to as a... more |
| Who is an authorized person? |
| An authorized person is anyone that the LLC authorizes to sign documents on behalf of the ... more |
| Should I ever select an end date? |
| Usually, no. Almost all LLCs are perpetual because the owners want the LLC to continue to... more |
| In which state do I form my LLC? |
| Most small to medium-size businesses form their LLCs in the state where they are physicall... more |
| Where can I find business licensing information for my state? |
| Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Flo... more |
| Do I need a comma before LLC in my company name? |
| Placing a comma before the company name is a matter of personal preference. For example: A... more |
| Should my LLC be member-managed or manager-managed? |
| Most LLCs are member-managed by default, which means no manager is selected and member man... more |
| What is "service of process?" |
| The word "process" refers to one or more legal documents, most often a summons a... more |
| Where can I find business tax information for my state? |
| Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Flo... more |
| Who are the members of the LLC? |
| Owners of an LLC are called members. If an LLC is managed by the members (member-managed),... more |
| Who are the manager(s) of the LLC? |
| A "manager" is a person or persons selected by the members (owners) to manage th... more |
| How do I choose a business name? |
| Many businesses select a name that identifies the type of service or products offered or a... more |
| Is my business name available in my state? |
| TotalLegal performs a name search and then reports the results to the customer via e-mail.... more |
| Who are the members of the LLC? |
| The members of the LLC are the owners. |
