How Do I Find an Attorney to Prepare My Will?

To find a lawyer to draft your will, begin by asking trusted friends or family members for a referral.

If this doesn’t work out, contact your local bar association and ask them to give you the names of a few estate planning attorneys near you. You can find the contact information for the American Bar Association in your state by using this interactive map.

If you don’t have the financial resources to hire an attorney, there are a number of sources that may be able to help. These include the following: 

• Legal Aid: Legal Aid is a service directed by the Legal Services Corporation of America. It provides legal assistance to low-income people of all ages, and is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To find a Legal Aid office near you, consult this interactive map.
  
  

• The American Bar Association: The American Bar Association provides a directory of attorneys who provide pro bono (free) services to low-income clients at FreeLegalHelp.org.
  
  
• LawHelp.org: Developed and maintained by ProBono.net, LawHelp.org provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices as well as basic information about the court system and your legal rights. Consult this interactive map to find a pro bono attorney near you.
  
  
• National Disability Rights Network: If you or your spouse are disabled, the National Disability Rights Network may help you find legal assistance through its Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program. Visit the NDRN website to find legal assistance in your state. 
  
  
• AARP: If you are an AARP member, you are eligible for a free 45-minute consultation with an attorney through the AARP Legal Services Network. You will also receive a 20% discount on other legal services you may need. To schedule an appointment, call the Legal Hotline at 202-434-2120 or visit Legal Counsel for the Elderly to learn more.