Help Center

Many customer questions are answered here, browse from the topics below or use the search box to narrow your search.
 
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GENERAL INFORMATION
How to cancel a service? 87
Below are the procedures for cancelling a number of TotalLegal services. You have entered ... more
What if I need to make changes to the Personal Information section of an Estate Planning document? 48
If a name has been misspelled or an address needs to be changed for a document that has al... more
What are your prices (cost)? 63
Estate Planning Products Last Will and Testament: $19.95 Power of Attorney: $19.95 Medical... more
How do I download and print my documents? 61
To download and print your document(s), do the following: Log into your account by enteri... more
TotalLegal Customer Service Information 90
TotalLegal provides fast and courteous customer service. For the fastest response please ... more
How do I make changes to my document(s)? 62
To make changes to your documents: Log in to your account by entering your e-mail address ... more
Are documents created using TotalLegal legal? 74
TotalLegal's goal is to provide self-help estate planning forms that cover many situat... more
How do I purchase a document? 94
A customer pays for the document after completing the interview. TotalLegal is designed t... more
Billing issues. 129
For any concerns about prices or credit card charges please contact customer service at in... more
For how long may I make changes to my document after purchase? 64
With a TotalLegal purchase you have 60 days to update and download your documents as often... more
How long will it take to receive my documents in the mail? 194
If you choose to have TotalLegal ship your documents to you by postal mail, the documents ... more
How do I delete my documents or remove my personal information from TotalLegal? 131
All unpurchased documents are automatically removed from TotalLegal.com during routine mai... more
Can I view a sample document? 117
Unfortunately, TotalLegal documents are generated with information the customer provides ... more
What is your Guarantee? 98
Your purchases are backed by a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. Simply e-mail cust... more
How to save document information. 84
Document information is saved by creating a TotalLegal account. There are a number of way... more
How do I create an account? 89
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? 128
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. 102
To log back into your account, enter your e-mail address and password in the upper right c... more
What is the difference between an Acknowledgement and a Jurat? 423
With an acknowledgement, the notary is certifying that the signer appeared before the nota... more
I forgot my password or other login information. 86
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. 92
You may update your email address using this procedure: Log in to your account in the uppe... more
What is the TotalLegal privacy policy? 103
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? 65
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? 196
While it is generally best to use the address where you actually reside, using a P.O. Box ... more
What estate planning documents can I create using TotalLegal? 497
Last Will and Testament: Also known simply as a Will, a Last Will and Testament allows you... more
How do I update my email address, password or credit card information? 134
Choose the "Account Settings" menu option under the "My Account" menu ... more
What if I don't have an e-mail address? 51
If you do not have an e-mail address you may enter a name for this account in the email ad... more
Is it wrong to use "state" instead of "commonwealth" if I live in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or Virginia? 650
No. Although the states of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia retain the ... more
How do I update my shipping address? 133
Under the "My Documents" menu item select "Account Settings" and enter... more
How do I change my password? 122
Log in to your account in the upper right portion of this page using your e-mail address ... more
Can I notarize one copy of my document, and then make copies of the page with the original signature? 866
Yes. Since notaries generally charge a per document fee, it is usually less expensive to h... more
Is euthanasia legal? 878
Euthanasia, also sometimes called assisted suicide, is legal in CA, CO, DC, HI, ME, MT, NJ... more
Does TotalLegal offer Living Trusts? 88
No, we do not offer Living Trusts at the present time.
How do I get documents notarized online? 881
Traditional in-person notarization is an essential service so it is still available at pla... more
WILLS
What makes a Will legal? 17
A Will must be properly signed (executed) in order to be legal and valid. The process of s... more
Choosing witnesses for a Will. 100
Two witnesses are required to the signing of a Will. The witnesses may be called upon to ... more
What is probate? 139
Probate is the legal process following a person's death that includes: Proving the a... more
Signing a Will 106
Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more
Is my state supported? 32
TotalLegal creates Wills for 49 states and the District of Columbia. Louisiana is not incl... more
What is a self-proving affidavit? 101
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? 138
A codicil is an addition to a Last Will and Testament. A codicil may explain, modify, add ... more
How to create a trust for your children. 93
TotalLegal provides two options for child trusts that are created in a Will. To view the ... more
Where should I keep my Will? 91
After the Will is signed, it should be placed in a safe place known to others. You may ma... more
Can I choose an executor that is also a beneficiary of the Will? 43
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? 162
"Inter vivos" is Latin for "between the living" and it refers to somet... more
What happens if one or both of the witnesses that signed my will die before I do? 142
A Will that was valid when it was originally executed remains valid, even if one or both o... more
I already have a Will. How do I revoke it? 83
TotalLegal Wills contain a clause which revokes any Wills created earlier. The new Will m... more
Does a Last Will and Testament ever expire? 137
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? 8
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? 40
No, that is called a "Joint Will" and may not be created using TotalLegal. The ... more
What is the difference between "per capita" and "per stirpes?" 179
Per Capita is Latin for "by head." Testator has three children: A,B, and C. Ch... more
What is residuary estate? 135
Residuary estate is all of the property that is left over after all specific gifts are dis... more
Where are the names of my children listed in my Will? 199
If you have any questions concerning the way your Will lists your heirs, please first revi... more
How do I add more gifts of cash or specific bequests? 136
If you have more gifts of cash or specific bequests than will not fit into the interview, ... more
Who are my heirs? 262
The terms "heirs," or "heirs at law," refer to those persons who will ... more
What are the responsibilities of a guardian? 195
The term 'guardian' has different meanings in different states, but generally spea... more
Glossary for Wills 174
Codicil: A document that adds to, subtracts from, qualifies, modifies, revokes, or otherw... more
Does TotalLegal work for Same Sex married couples? 118
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? 198
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?  260
No. While most states use the term 'Executor' to refer to the person who is appoin... more
"Heirs" Defined, Part 1 (Alabama - Montana) 266
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) 267
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? 366
According to 14 V.S.A. Primarily the problem has been ", ', and § 5, a Will in V... more
If I move to another state, do I need a new will? 861
Because requirements for a valid will vary from state to state, it is best to prepare and ... more
Does TotalLegal offer will codicils? 85
No, a codicil may not be created using TotalLegal at this time.
What does it mean for a will to be "in writing?" 898
While some states allow for handwritten, or holographic, wills, generally wills are typed,... more
What's a spendthrift clause? 891
A spendthrift clause puts restrictions on a beneficiary's ability to access funds in a... more
Does a Will need to be notarized? 18
No, a notary is not required in order to create a legal and valid Will.
Does a widow/widower choose married or single for marital status? 140
A widow or widower should choose 'Single' as their marital status.
What is the price for a Will? 7
The price for a Will is $19.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards.
LIVING WILLS (Advanced Health Care Directives)
What is the difference between a Last Will and Testament and a Living Will? 141
A Last Will and Testament, commonly referred to as a Will, allows you to specify who will ... more
What makes a Living Will legal? 30
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) 105
Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more
Does a living will need to be notarized? 53
No, in the majority of states a notary is not required. North Carolina, South Carolina, an... more
What is the difference between a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney? 496
A Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney are two different legal documents, each serv... more
What is euthanasia? 188
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? 110
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? 292
Yes. TotalLegal Advanced Health Care Directives (Living Wills) contain a "HIPAA Rele... more
What is the price for a Living Will? 109
Our Living Will, also known as an Advanced Health Care Directive, is $14.95.
What is a "Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care?" 516
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (also commonly known as a Medical Power of A... more
Is my state supported? 31
Yes, TotalLegal creates Living Wills for all 50 states.
Who can create a Living Will? 82
A Living Will may be created by an adult that is at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
Is a doctor required to follow a Living Will? 80
Doctors and healthcare providers are generally required by law to follow a Living Will.
FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
What makes a Power of Attorney legal? 29
A Power of Attorney must be properly signed (executed) in order to be legal and valid. The... more
Signing a Financial Power of Attorney 104
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? 99
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? 125
You may choose any or all of the following to be covered by the Power of Attorney. Real Es... more
Does a Power of Attorney ever expire? 202
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? 15
The price for a Financial Power of Attorney, also sometimes called a Power of Attorney for... more
Will a Power of Attorney work in a different state than the state where the Principal lives? 75
As a practical matter, being able to use a Power of Attorney depends on whether the instit... more
How long is a Financial Power of Attorney document? 126
A TotalLegal Power of Attorney document ranges in length from 5-17 pages, the length depen... more
What is a "springing" Power of Attorney? 177
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? 14
Your completed Power of Attorney will be e-mailed to you immediately after purchase, it wi... more
What if I am told that there is a problem with the form of my Power of Attorney? 355
A Power of Attorney can be either statutory or non-statutory, and generally either may be ... more
Is my TotalLegal Financial Power of Attorney revocable?  207
Yes. All TotalLegal Powers of Attorney are revocable, which means they can be revoked at ... more
May I make changes to my Power of Attorney after I purchase it? 70
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? 171
There is no requirement that your Agent (also known as an Attorney-in-Fact) reside in the ... more
Can a resident of one state have a document notarized by a Notary Public in a different state? 203
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?" 350
An "Agent" is the person authorized in a Power of Attorney to exercise certain p... more
When does my Durable Power of Attorney go into effect? 649
All TotalLegal Powers of Attorney for Finance and Powers of Attorney for Health Care go in... 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? 293
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?" 357
A Successor Agent is the person who will take over the responsibilities of the designated ... more
Is an Agent in a Financial Power of Attorney personally responsible for the debts of the Principal? 379
Generally speaking, an Agent is not personally responsible for the debts of the Principal ... more
Why would a third party, such as a bank, refuse to accept a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania? 353
On December 21, 2010, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down its decision in Vine v. S... more
Does a durable Power of Attorney need to be registered (recorded) to be valid? 676
North Carolina and South Carolina require that a durable Power of Attorney (one that remai... more
Is my TotalLegal Power of Attorney for Finance affected by the new Florida Power of Attorney Act? 351
Yes. Any Power of Attorney executed on or after October 1, 2011 must comply with the new ... more
How does an Agent sign documents on behalf of the Principal after the Power of Attorney is executed? 675
Generally, the Agent will sign his or her own name and then write "attorney-in-fact f... 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? 349
Yes. However, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances that was executed before October 1... more
Is a durable financial power of attorney valid if the principal is in jail or prison? 720
A power of attorney is considered "durable" when it is meant to remain effective... more
Does my Pennsylvania Power of Attorney require two witnesses? 726
Yes. Due to changes in Pennsylvania law that went into effect in 2015, Pennsylvania requir... more
Can my Agent (Attorney-in-Fact) sign for a home equity loan on my behalf in Texas? 822
In Texas, a Durable Power of Attorney executed at your home, hospital, etc. will not allow... more
Does my Ohio Financial Power of Attorney need to be recorded? 839
In Ohio, a Power of Attorney for the conveyance (transfer/sale), mortgage, or lease of an ... more
How does Washington's 2017 Uniform Power of Attorney Act affect my financial power of attorney? 858
No changes were required to make TotalLegal financial powers of attorney compliant with th... more
Is my state supported? 33
Yes, TotalLegal creates powers of attorney for all 50 states.
MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
Signing a Medical Power of Attorney 108
Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more
What is the price for a Medical Power of Attorney? 96
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? 95
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? 97
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? 172
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?  208
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? 204
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? 380
Generally speaking, an Agent is not personally responsible for the debts of the Principal ... more
What is a "Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care?" 515
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (also commonly known as a Medical Power of A... more
Will my Power of Attorney comply with Illinois Power of Attorney Act concerning health care (Senate Bill 3228), effective January 1, 2015? 847
A Power of Attorney can be either statutory or non-statutory. Many states have created opt... more
BILL OF SALE
Does a Bill of Sale have to be recorded? 216
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? 209
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? 210
In some states a Bill of Sale is needed in order to transfer title to a motor vehicle, wat... more
What if a mistake is made when the title is transferred? 249
It is of the utmost importance that no errors are made when the Seller signs the title ove... more
What does a Bill of Sale look like? 219
Although a valid Bill of Sale will always, at a minimum, contain certain standard pieces o... more
Does my state offer a motor vehicle Bill of Sale? 257
These are links to free state vehicle transfer forms. Not all states offer a Bill of Sale... more
What information is typically listed on a Bill of Sale? 211
At a minimum, a Bill of Sale should always contain the following: . The type of property b... more
What does "as is" mean? 231
"As is" means that the Seller offers no warranties. However, an "as is&quo... more
If there is more than one Seller and/or more than Buyer does everyone have to sign the title to transfer ownership?  250
If there is more than one owner listed on the title, all Sellers must generally sign the t... more
Do the signatures on a Bill of Sale need to be notarized? 255
Whether notarization is required depends on the laws of your state. If you are not sure i... more
What if the Buyer is not paying the entire purchase price in full? 221
Commonly, a Bill of Sale transfers ownership from one person to another with the entire pu... more
What if a mistake is made on the title?  253
If you have any questions concerning how to properly execute or complete the title in orde... more
Who signs the Bill of Sale? 212
The Seller(s) of property must always sign a Bill of Sale. In some states, the Buyer(s) m... more
What does "choice of law" mean? 247
When the Seller and Purchaser are clear in the terms of their agreement and both understan... more
What happens after the Bill of Sale is signed and the purchase has been made? 251
Both Seller and Purchaser must comply with any and all state requirements for selling and ... more
How much is sales tax?  246
The amount of sales tax varies by jurisdiction as well as sometimes by the type of propert... more
What is an implied warranty of title? 234
Every contract for the sale any type of property contains an implied warranty (even if it ... more
Do I need a Bill of Sale if the Seller is signing the motor vehicle title over to the Buyer? 224
Some states only require the Seller to sign the title over to Purchaser in order to transf... more
What if the Seller is unable to provide me with a title to the vehicle I am purchasing? 218
A Purchaser should never buy a vehicle if the Seller cannot provide you with the title, un... more
What if the odometer has rolled over? 238
If the odometer, whether it has five or six digits, has reached its mechanical limit and s... more
What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)? 228
A Hull Identification Number, or HIN, is a 12-digit alphanumeric unique serial number that... more
What does "severability" mean? 248
When the Seller and Purchaser are clear in the terms of their agreement and both understan... more
What does "as is" with warranty of title mean? 233
"As is" with warranty of title means the Seller makes no guarantees about the it... more
What is an express warranty? 235
An express warranty is the Seller's guarantee that the item being sold is of a certain... more
Is sales tax included in the sales price or in addition to the sales price? 244
Whether to include sales tax in the sales price or not is a matter to be determined by the... more
What is "consideration"? 230
"Consideration" is simply the legal term for purchase price. You will often see... more
Who retains the original Bill of Sale once it has been signed? 217
The Purchaser(s) generally retains the original Bill of Sale after it has been executed al... more
Why am I being asked if mechanical work was done on the vehicle that impacted the odometer reading? 239
If the odometer reading has been reset or altered in any way, the Seller must generally di... more
What does "as is" with no warranties mean? 232
"As is" with no warranties means that the Seller makes no guarantees about the i... more
Is the Buyer required to sign the Bill of Sale? 213
Some states require the Buyer(s) to sign the Bill of Sale. If you are not sure if your sta... more
What is an Odometer Disclosure Statement? 240
Some states require an Odometer Disclosure Statement, which provides not only the current ... more
What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? 227
A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-digit alphanumeric unique serial number t... more
What is an odometer reading? 236
The odometer reading is the five or six digit number located in on the odometer, which tel... more
What is a serial number? 229
Aircrafts, electronics, and appliances as well as a number of other types of property are ... more
What is the "model" of my car? 242
The "model" refers to the particular type of vehicle or watercraft made by the m... more
Where can I find an Aircraft Bill of Sale provided by the FAA? 226
An Aircraft Bill of Sale is available free on the FAA website at: http://forms.faa.gov/for... more
What does "tenths of miles" mean? 237
The mileage of a vehicle is measured on the odometer. An odometer has either five or six ... more
What is the price for a Bill of Sale? 331
The price for a Bill of Sale is $9.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards.
What is the "make" of my car? 241
The "make" refers to the name of the manufacturer. For example: Ford, Toyota, H... more
What is the body style/body type of my car? 243
The body style is a description of the model such as 2-door, 4-door, wagon, etc.
DEEDS
What is a Quit Claim deed? 272
Quitclaim (or Quit Claim) deeds are often incorrectly called "Quick" Claim deeds... more
What deed type is suitable for you? 275
Quitclaim Deeds are commonly used between parties who are related or otherwise familiar wi... more
What is a Warranty Deed? 273
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? 284
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? 285
A deed does not need to be signed by the Grantee to be valid.
How do I give another person an interest in my real estate while retaining my interest? 512
The most common method for giving another person an interest in real estate is to properly... more
What is a Special Warranty Deed? 274
Sometimes referred to as a "Limited Warranty Deed," this type of deed provides l... more
What is a life estate? 281
A life estate is an interest in property retained by a person, commonly the Grantor, throu... 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? 362
Please be advised that the TotalLegal online interview states that choosing "no"... more
How do I know if the prior deed was recorded? 282
A recorded deed should bear some type of stamp from the Clerk or Register of Deeds indicat... more
What is a homestead? 287
"Homestead" commonly refers to real estate that is a permanent home or residence... more
Who should be listed as the person the deed is returned to? 276
Generally, the name and address of the Grantee is used in order to ensure that the origina... more
What if there are two or more Grantors listed on a Deed, but they cannot sign in front of the same notary public? 377
Your TotalLegal Deed contains one section for the Grantor(s) to sign in front of a notary ... more
Who should be listed as the person to whom the property tax statements should be sent to? 277
Generally, the name and address of the Grantee is used in order to ensure that all future ... more
What is an exception? 279
An exception is language in a deed that specifies that a particular portion of the propert... more
What is the price for a Quitclaim Deed? 332
The price for a Quitclaim Deed is $39.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit card... more
What is the purchase price? 278
The purchase price is the actual amount of money or other valuable consideration that the ... more
What is a reservation? 280
A reservation is language in a deed that specifies that a portion of the property, or poss... more
What is the legal description of the leased premises? 304
The legal description of the premises refers to how the property is identified in real est... 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? 523
If you are in a domestic partnership or civil union, you may select "married" as... more
What is the price for a Warranty Deed? 333
The price for a Warranty Deed is $39.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards... more
What does a non-title holding spouse need to sign to waive his or her rights to the property? 823
Generally, a non-title holding spouse needs to waive his or her rights to property when it... more
Where do I add the transfer tax exemptions code on my Arizona Deed? 527
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? 629
If your Deed is exempt from the Virginia recordation tax, enter the applicable Virginia Co... more
What else needs to be filed with my Georgia deed? 840
A Transfer Tax Form PT-61 must be prepared by you online at the Georgia Superior Court Cle... more
Is the signature of the Grantor required? 286
Yes. The Grantor(s) signature is always required on a valid deed.
Who is the preparer of my deed? 896
It is important to complete the Deed Preparer Information section and the Deed Return Info... more
Do we need to have the signing of the deed witnessed by someone other than the Notary Public? 283
Florida and Georgia require two witnesses.