A $1000 may seem like a lot to get a will done with a lawyer but I think it is worth it. I understand setting up a trust is for the truly wealthy so I don't fit in to that category. Interesting story above about trusts - thanks for that.
My mother had a will made with a lawyer and so did my father. My father passed away from cancer in 1967. Because he knew he was dying he changed his will a few months before he passed away.My mother was not aware of this. When my wife and I updated our will with a lawyer a few years ago I mentioned my father had changed his will a few months before his passing. My mother was not aware of the changes made. If I remember correctly the lawyer said that the will should be changed if necessary in the presence of the the husband and wife.
This is why a will should be made with a lawyer. Good documentation and a good lawyer make life so much easier. Legal types feel free to input about keeping the significant other informed(or not
) about will changes. I have no idea of those rules as my wife and I have no secrets!