re: Who should I put in my will?

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Would love feedback on the general process and cost of having an attorney handle this stuff. Also interested in what mechanism ensures I don't get robbed by said attorney and the state.

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Call and ask a lawyer for a price. If you keep it simple, like "I am a single man with no children and want a will that leaves all my estate to XYZ Charity," they can likely tell you over the phone. Call more than one. Prices vary.

But if you want trusts, conditions (but only if she graduates college and is not stripping, etc.), multiple beneficiaries in various amounts, then it's going to be less predicable and more expensive. Some people have $400 in the bank, but want to estate plan like they are the Rockefellers. Settle down and keep it simple.

If you have a nice chunk, you might approach a charity or university and tell them you are interested in leaving it to them. They may well refer you to a lawyer to handle the estate planning.

St. Jude's has a group of employees who will, if you tell them the charity will inherit your estate, kiss your arse, take you to lunch, and call you on your birthday to the day you die, then sue your family members if they try to claim any proceeds.

St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates