GENERAL INFORMATION |
How to cancel a service? |
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? |
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)? |
Estate Planning Products Last Will and Testament: $19.95 Power of Attorney: $19.95 Medical... more |
How do I download and print my documents? |
To download and print your document(s), do the following: Log into your account by enteri... more |
TotalLegal Customer Service Information |
TotalLegal provides fast and courteous customer service. For the fastest response please ... 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 |
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 purchase a document? |
A customer pays for the document after completing the interview. TotalLegal is designed t... more |
Billing issues. |
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? |
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? |
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? |
All unpurchased documents are automatically removed from TotalLegal.com during routine mai... more |
Can I view a sample document? |
Unfortunately, TotalLegal documents are generated with information the customer provides ... 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Is it wrong to use "state" instead of "commonwealth" if I live in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or Virginia? |
No. Although the states of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia retain the ... more |
How do I update my shipping address? |
Under the "My Documents" menu item select "Account Settings" and enter... 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 |
Can I notarize one copy of my document, and then make copies of the page with the original signature? |
Yes. Since notaries generally charge a per document fee, it is usually less expensive to h... more |
Is euthanasia legal? |
Euthanasia, also sometimes called assisted suicide, is legal in CA, CO, DC, HI, ME, MT, NJ... more |
Does TotalLegal offer Living Trusts? |
No, we do not offer Living Trusts at the present time. |
How do I get documents notarized online? |
Traditional in-person notarization is an essential service so it is still available at pla... more |
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 |
What is probate? |
Probate is the legal process following a person's death that includes: Proving the a... more |
Signing a Will |
Note: The general requirements presented here are for informational purposes, you will rec... more |
Is my state supported? |
TotalLegal creates Wills for 49 states and the District of Columbia. Louisiana is not incl... 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 the difference between "per capita" and "per stirpes?" |
Per Capita is Latin for "by head." Testator has three children: A,B, and C. Ch... more |
What is residuary estate? |
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? |
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? |
If you have more gifts of cash or specific bequests than will not fit into the interview, ... more |
Who are my heirs? |
The terms "heirs," or "heirs at law," refer to those persons who will ... more |
What are the responsibilities of a guardian? |
The term 'guardian' has different meanings in different states, but generally spea... 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 appoin... 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. Primarily the problem has been ", ', and § 5, a Will in V... more |
If I move to another state, do I need a new will? |
Because requirements for a valid will vary from state to state, it is best to prepare and ... more |
Does TotalLegal offer will codicils? |
No, a codicil may not be created using TotalLegal at this time. |
What does it mean for a will to be "in writing?" |
While some states allow for handwritten, or holographic, wills, generally wills are typed,... more |
What's a spendthrift clause? |
A spendthrift clause puts restrictions on a beneficiary's ability to access funds in a... more |
Does a Will need to be notarized? |
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? |
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. |
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, an... more |
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 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 $14.95. |
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, TotalLegal creates Living Wills for all 50 states. |
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. |
Is a doctor required to follow a Living Will? |
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? |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
What if I am told that there is a problem with the form of my Power of Attorney? |
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? |
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? |
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 |
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 |
When does my Durable Power of Attorney go into effect? |
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? |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Does a durable Power of Attorney need to be registered (recorded) to be valid? |
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? |
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? |
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? |
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? |
A power of attorney is considered "durable" when it is meant to remain effective... more |
Does my Pennsylvania Power of Attorney require two witnesses? |
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? |
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? |
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? |
No changes were required to make TotalLegal financial powers of attorney compliant with th... more |
Is my state supported? |
Yes, TotalLegal 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 |
Will my Power of Attorney comply with Illinois Power of Attorney Act concerning health care (Senate Bill 3228), effective January 1, 2015? |
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? |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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&quo... 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 |
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 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 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 does "choice of law" mean? |
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? |
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 is an implied warranty of title? |
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? |
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? |
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? |
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)? |
A Hull Identification Number, or HIN, is a 12-digit alphanumeric unique serial number that... more |
What does "severability" mean? |
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? |
"As is" with warranty of title means the Seller makes no guarantees about the it... more |
What is an express warranty? |
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? |
Whether to include sales tax in the sales price or not is a matter to be determined by the... more |
What is "consideration"? |
"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? |
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? |
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? |
"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? |
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? |
Some states require an Odometer Disclosure Statement, which provides not only the current ... more |
What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? |
A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-digit alphanumeric unique serial number t... 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 a serial number? |
Aircrafts, electronics, and appliances as well as a number of other types of property are ... more |
What is the "model" of my car? |
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? |
An Aircraft Bill of Sale is available free on the FAA website at: https://forms.faa.gov/fo... 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 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. |
What is the "make" of my car? |
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? |
The body style is a description of the model such as 2-door, 4-door, wagon, etc. |
DEEDS |
What is a Quit Claim deed? |
Quitclaim (or Quit Claim) deeds are often incorrectly called "Quick" Claim deeds... more |
What deed type is suitable for you? |
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? |
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? |
The most common method for giving another person an interest in real estate is to properly... 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 life estate? |
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? |
Please be advised that the TotalLegal online interview states that choosing "no"... 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 |
What is a homestead? |
"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? |
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? |
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? |
Generally, the name and address of the Grantee is used in order to ensure that all future ... more |
What is an exception? |
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? |
The price for a Quitclaim Deed is $39.95. We accept all major credit cards and debit card... 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 |
What is the legal description of the leased premises? |
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? |
If you are in a domestic partnership or civil union, you may select "married" as... more |
What is the price for a Warranty Deed? |
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? |
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? |
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 |
What else needs to be filed with my Georgia deed? |
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? |
Yes. The Grantor(s) signature is always required on a valid deed. |
Who is the preparer of my deed? |
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? |
Florida and Georgia require two witnesses. |
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