If you do it in the hospital, yes. The forms you fill out are legally bound through the hospital. Your doctor should have the forms in the office as well. No lawyer needed.

However, since we own a house we did go ahead and hire a lawyer to do our wills. We had a will, living will and power of attorney drawn up. It was very reasonable cost wise. We paid $250 for both of us total and they don't expire unless we change them.

For us, we wanted to make sure no one could argue over who was in charge or what they get and if they can make decisions for us. We knew exactly who we wanted and how things were to be divided. Basically our kids get everything and no one can fight that. Our health care is to be decided by both of us if one is unable to and if we are both unable, the kids choose.

We don't have much so the lawyer said she sees no reason a probate judge would argue with our will if Jim and I go together.