FabSwingers.com forum: Making a will

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm interested in this too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I went to my solicitor. My granddaughter gets it all at 18....unless my son produces more off spring. Then they get an equal share. All very simple and not that expensive.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I went to my solicitor. My granddaughter gets it all at 18....unless my son produces more off spring. Then they get an equal share. All very simple and not that expensive.

i wish i had material possessions to give to people

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you prof xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age."

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You're welcome.

The 'Will Aid' one caught my attention as it runs in November...

Will Aid - nationwide

A UK-wide scheme, run every November, Will Aid teams up with over 1,000 solicitors to provide basic wills. One of its main advantages is it doesn't impose a minimum age on who can get a will.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A simple will is simple to write, distribution in the event of death is one of the benefits of marriage, If you have children with multiple partners or are in a long term relationship without marriage to stand behind then a solicitor is a good idea.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you are thst worried about children you can appoint a guardian. Usually a family member or a friend. A kinship carer. Who then can obtain legal parental responsabilty over the child either with a care order , resident order or a special guardianship order. Look up kinship carers on the web. Lots of good advice.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Being young and owning nothing i never thought i needed one as had nothing to give to friends/family.. forgetting at the time i have the most precious thing of all - a child

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By *ingle Beds LassWoman
over a year ago

Bedfordshire

I was in the same position, but breathed the biggest sigh of relief when my son turned 18 and he was in charge of his own destiny. I fully understand your angst. Just get it done and tell whoever it is you 'bequest' your daughter to, where the bloody will is!!!!! lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look uo kinship care. It is usually for kids who cannot live with parents for what ever reason. But it is also for children who have no living parents. If you are truely worried speak to somebody you feel you would like as a guardian the go to a solicitor together. Most give 30 free advice. Ask before you book though.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I was in the same position, but breathed the biggest sigh of relief when my son turned 18 and he was in charge of his own destiny. I fully understand your angst. Just get it done and tell whoever it is you 'bequest' your daughter to, where the bloody will is!!!!! lol"

I thought the solicitor kept it? i lose everything..

even my 'safe box' has been misplaced

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

She almost certainly wouldn't. Social sevices priority would almost certainly to be to place her with family

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes good point now a days childrens services look at family first.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

She almost certainly wouldn't. Social sevices priority would almost certainly to be to place her with family

good to know.. i'm just starting to research it all.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Yes good point now a days childrens services look at family first."

ive spoken to my mum about this and she thinks its easier if i leave parental responsibility to them, else they would have to go through courts.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yes good point now a days childrens services look at family first.

ive spoken to my mum about this and she thinks its easier if i leave parental responsibility to them, else they would have to go through courts.

I have been looking at this and not sure if it matters if you have a will or not. If the dad wants the little one he could go court and still try to get custody. It's all very confusing but I would say your best bet is to go see a solicitor, they usually do the first half an hour consultation for free

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By *irtyGirlWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

You can write your own Will on the back of an envelope, as long as you have someone witness it, it'll stand up.

I'd be inclined to take legal advice re the care of your child though. Citizens Advice will be able to give you free advice too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As kelsie said there father would be asked first. If you didnt want this to happen you will have to state why . Your mum will probably have to go to court at some point to obtain parental responsabilty to secure your childs future. If dad truely wanted the child he could contest your wishes.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

with regards to her father he is not on the birth certificate.. he has only recently been introduced to my daughter but as 'mummys friend'

id just not be happy if i died, he then requested DNA and took custody having never really known her.

if the circumstances change dramatically over the years and he becomes joint in parental responsibilities id talk to him about it and re evaluate the situation.. but for now id be much happier with my mum looking after her

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Childrens services would look at who would give your child the best care. Your wishes would be taken into account and they would also look for somebody the child knows. Usually a grandparent. Childrens services would also put the childs wishes as a priority. Age permitting. Try the family rights group. frg.org. They are solicitors who give free advice online through a forum. They also have a number you call call for free advice.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor? "

Thanks for this topic. It's something i think about, too. Similar to you, my sons father isn't on the birth certificate. Because he's disabled, we have a social worker and I've spoken to him about this in the past. He has my wishes on record but did say he would need a legal will to enact them if anything happened.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Childrens services would look at who would give your child the best care. Your wishes would be taken into account and they would also look for somebody the child knows. Usually a grandparent. Childrens services would also put the childs wishes as a priority. Age permitting. Try the family rights group. frg.org. They are solicitors who give free advice online through a forum. They also have a number you call call for free advice."

Thank you

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Death is a topic in general i dont think people talk enough about. Im still deciding cremation or burial..

if i dont know myself they how can my family possibly know my wishes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Make a will, it's not difficult and as said before you can write anything you wish as long as it's witnessed and signed it is legal.

My will names my daughter as her youngest brothers legal guardian and any money left in trust to him she handles for him until he is 21.

Solicitors hold a copy of my will along with the title deeds of my house.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cute you are online young .... i have trouble remembering when things from.when i was 26 !

Get advice to put yiur mind at rest then enjoy being a mum to your girl.....they soon grow up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Only young *

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By *trawberry-popWoman
over a year ago

South East Midlands NOT

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Death is a topic in general i dont think people talk enough about. Im still deciding cremation or burial..

if i dont know myself they how can my family possibly know my wishes "

Cremation! Leave the land for the living is my view.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cute, have sent you a PM...

every other single parent, been there done that, sort out your most important assets your children.

everyone should make a will, it's a nightmare for those left behind if there isn't one, even if you think you have little to leave, what if you were to be hit by the Rolls Royce coming to take you to pick up your lottery winnings?

ALSO keep a simple list of insurance documents / bank accounts and every other thing your relatives may need to know about in the event of a sudden departure.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Death is a topic in general i dont think people talk enough about. Im still deciding cremation or burial..

if i dont know myself they how can my family possibly know my wishes "

After I lost my partner I wrote my will. I've had three bouts of cancer and will never be clear of it so it made sense to me to make a will and funeral arrangements so my kids don't have to.

As long as my children look after each other I am happy, I'm fortunate we are a close and loving family who look out for each other and cancer is only a word on my medication boxes just now.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Death is a topic in general i dont think people talk enough about. Im still deciding cremation or burial..

if i dont know myself they how can my family possibly know my wishes

After I lost my partner I wrote my will. I've had three bouts of cancer and will never be clear of it so it made sense to me to make a will and funeral arrangements so my kids don't have to.

As long as my children look after each other I am happy, I'm fortunate we are a close and loving family who look out for each other and cancer is only a word on my medication boxes just now.

Laine your wonderful, its horrible how life can be so cruel to the loveliest of people

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

You can't leave a child in a will. You need to make separate arrangements about guardianship.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Cremation! Leave the land for the living is my view. "

i catch your drift just have this thing about being burnt alive.. and what happens if we die but can still feel stuff..

i over think loads of random shit..

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

You can't leave a child in a will. You need to make separate arrangements about guardianship."

But my requests and wishes can be noted down.. hopefully legally it would mean something

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

You can't leave a child in a will. You need to make separate arrangements about guardianship."

Spot on. You can appoint a guadian in the event of death. Although if childrens services are involved they may well have to have an assessment .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

You can't leave a child in a will. You need to make separate arrangements about guardianship.

But my requests and wishes can be noted down.. hopefully legally it would mean something "
.

Yes it would count.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Death is a topic in general i dont think people talk enough about. Im still deciding cremation or burial..

if i dont know myself they how can my family possibly know my wishes

After I lost my partner I wrote my will. I've had three bouts of cancer and will never be clear of it so it made sense to me to make a will and funeral arrangements so my kids don't have to.

As long as my children look after each other I am happy, I'm fortunate we are a close and loving family who look out for each other and cancer is only a word on my medication boxes just now.

Laine your wonderful, its horrible how life can be so cruel to the loveliest of people

When you get to my age you take all life's ups and downs in your stride.

I may have a shitty prognosis but on the upside I have three fantastic children who love and support each other daily and will continue to do so long after I'm pushing up daisies.

(I'm getting buried, go in on top of my lovely. Together in eternity and only one plot used)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Please make a Will.

But do it through a solicitor. Do not use the ones from WH Smiths when kids are involved x

If you do not have a Will your child/ children become a ward of the state. It is not automatic that they will go to the other parent.

If you do your Will through a bank or solicitor they will keep a copy - although they may charge a fee x

Happy to help if any other questions x

Sara x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Think i will go through a solicitor would make me feel happier knowing i cant have cocked it up and it is 'legal'

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Aww cute. You are still young . You will aquire more with age.

Its just the legal bit of who do i leave my child too..

id hate it if she ended up in care

You can't leave a child in a will. You need to make separate arrangements about guardianship.

But my requests and wishes can be noted down.. hopefully legally it would mean something "

That is what you can do but that can sit outside of your goods and chattels. Others have mentioned looking at the kinship stuff.

If you do want it to be your mother then have a look at the Grandparents Plus website as there is lots on there.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor? "

I've done mine from a kit I got in WHSmith. Very easy to do as the pack included guidance. It also made it easy as there's only one beneficiary who will also be the executor.

I will say do NOT make a bank, solicitor or any organisation the executor. They will rob you blind. My dad made the bank his executor and their charges cleaned out my parents joint account leaving mum with nothing. I challenged them and they returned much of the funds but it was very distressing to mum at a time when she didn't need it.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I think it is will aid, as listed above, that help the aged promote. There are specialist companies that do them too, as well as solicitors, but I think it is money for old rope. Definitely we should all have one, as problems can happen anytime and it is easier for those who are left behind. Plus legal costs surge without a will too and can drag on for years. The scheme Im thinking of relies on you to donate a fee that you can afford, for a simple will being made for you. I keep mine at my solicitors now,as it saves it getting lost - but you dont have to do that.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"I think it is will aid, as listed above, that help the aged promote. There are specialist companies that do them too, as well as solicitors, but I think it is money for old rope. Definitely we should all have one, as problems can happen anytime and it is easier for those who are left behind. Plus legal costs surge without a will too and can drag on for years. The scheme Im thinking of relies on you to donate a fee that you can afford, for a simple will being made for you. I keep mine at my solicitors now,as it saves it getting lost - but you dont have to do that."

Nothing wrong with doing it yourself. I even got mine double checked by a friend of mine who is a barrister. She said it was fine and perfectly legal. All I did was follow the instructions in the pack. And it cost me only about £17.

I've just made sure it'll be easy to find.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Thanks DB9, I think people have been put off for too long, as solicitors used to be the people doing this stuff largely, and we were all meek and feeble assuming that we needed them to do it for us.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Thanks DB9, I think people have been put off for too long, as solicitors used to be the people doing this stuff largely, and we were all meek and feeble assuming that we needed them to do it for us. "

Genuinely or sarcastically?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

I've done mine from a kit I got in WHSmith. Very easy to do as the pack included guidance. It also made it easy as there's only one beneficiary who will also be the executor.

I always thought the executor couldn't also be the beneficiary.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

well out of interest i phoned up the solicitors my grandparents use (its local) and was quoted £150 plus VAT

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can help you with that.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

I've done mine from a kit I got in WHSmith. Very easy to do as the pack included guidance. It also made it easy as there's only one beneficiary who will also be the executor.

I always thought the executor couldn't also be the beneficiary. "

Yes of course they can. My brother was a beneficiary of my mum's and the executor. And her will was drawn up by a solicitor.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"well out of interest i phoned up the solicitors my grandparents use (its local) and was quoted £150 plus VAT

I think that's about standard. That's why I did my own.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I made a will after being diagnosed with breast cancer the second time, I don't have much, just a few sentimental things I'd like certain people to have! A mate helped me with mine (she's a lawyer) have one copy at home, one in my safe deposit box and a close friend has one)

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"well out of interest i phoned up the solicitors my grandparents use (its local) and was quoted £150 plus VAT

If you have to spend money then make it on the guardianship issues. As you don't own much the distribution of your stuff will remain in the family. For that you can write a simple will and have it witnessed. Name someone in the family as your executor.

The bit that concerns you is your daughter and her future so that's the thing to spend money on to get it right.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I always thought the executor couldn't also be the beneficiary.

Yes of course they can. My brother was a beneficiary of my mum's and the executor. And her will was drawn up by a solicitor. "

Yes you can be both.

First thing I did when my divorce was finalised was to rewrite my will.

Having lost a parent that had no will, I've seen how difficult that was for my Mum to sort out. It took far longer to sort out Letters of Adminstration than to sort Grant of Probate with a will in place.

Usually, if a sol has written it, they keep a copy and send one to you. Label it and tell your relatives where it is. I've learnt that is a good thing to do from trying to find one to establish if someone wanted to be buried or cremated.

You can state guardians on there for your child, although I'm guessing any request if it wasn't to the absent parent , would be over-ruled if said parent has joint parental responsibility with you. You can however decide the age your children inherit what you have left and also the executors would be the person/people that the guardian would have to ask if they wanted monies from the estate for your child before the age it was designated to go to them.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Id not even thought about making a will until this thread, it's something to think about but I have nothing of value apart from my GHD's

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Id not even thought about making a will until this thread, it's something to think about but I have nothing of value apart from my GHD's

Someone still has to deal with your stuff, even if it's sending it all to the charity shop. Without a will they are technically stealing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor? "

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now. "

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

I've done mine from a kit I got in WHSmith. Very easy to do as the pack included guidance. It also made it easy as there's only one beneficiary who will also be the executor.

I always thought the executor couldn't also be the beneficiary.

Yes of course they can. My brother was a beneficiary of my mum's and the executor. And her will was drawn up by a solicitor. "

I always thought it was a conflict of interests. No idea why I thought that though. Good to know, thank you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

"Id not even thought about making a will until this thread, it's something to think about but I have nothing of value apart from my GHD's

Someone still has to deal with your stuff, even if it's sending it all to the charity shop. Without a will they are technically stealing.

I'll look into it...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

I'm 25 And have a will! After having cancer twice, it's something I felt I needed to do. I can completely understand why Cute is asking about it, you never know what's around the corner!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor? "

Great thread!

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

I've done mine from a kit I got in WHSmith. Very easy to do as the pack included guidance. It also made it easy as there's only one beneficiary who will also be the executor.

I always thought the executor couldn't also be the beneficiary.

Yes of course they can. My brother was a beneficiary of my mum's and the executor. And her will was drawn up by a solicitor.

I always thought it was a conflict of interests. No idea why I thought that though. Good to know, thank you. "

Tbh I thought the same but it seems not. My brother never had any issues with it, I've made my daughter executor and sole beneficiary and I am told by a legal expert that it is all above board. I can make who I like executor. It just means they have the responsibility of ensuring that the conditions of the will are adhered to and that they deal with probate as required by law.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I always thought it was a conflict of interests. No idea why I thought that though. Good to know, thank you.

It is tedious being an executor but it is important to ask someone before you make them your executor.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i need to do this. ive talked to daughter about it too.

its not a task i want to do. x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

Do without a will, where does all my money go if I was to die today?

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

Do without a will, where does all my money go if I was to die today? "

It depends on your circumstances. Do you have a wife or children? Are your parents still alive? Who will have to sort everything out?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

Do without a will, where does all my money go if I was to die today? "

It goes to your family in a certain order, as in the closest first and then it will go further out if there is no close family.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You can buy perfectly legal will kits in WH Smith for £15.99. My Dad got one and I went through it with him - very easy to do and legally secure.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

Do without a will, where does all my money go if I was to die today?

It goes to your family in a certain order, as in the closest first and then it will go further out if there is no close family. "

Oh thats alright then. It will go to my mum

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By *ENDAROOSCouple
over a year ago

South West London / Surrey

We don't have a will but really should write one. It just seems to be one of those things that we keep putting off or forget about....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

Yes, it was a scrap of paper and said I leave everything to my sister. It was dated and witnessed so it counts as a will.

Do without a will, where does all my money go if I was to die today?

It goes to your family in a certain order, as in the closest first and then it will go further out if there is no close family. "

Though if you have a child by an ex, your child is next of kin/beneficiary and if that child is under 16 then their parent, otherwise known as 'the ex' becomes next of kin

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Never go to a will writing company or do it yourself with a kit from WH Smith. For a document as important as this then go to a solicitor.

when you have a Will drawn up you want to be sure that it is correct and not be open to misinterpretation. There are lots of issues around mental. capacity or undue pressure and proving that the deceased totally understood the terms of the will and there was no undue pressure placed on the deceased by a family member etc. If anyone contests your will your estate will be eaten up in legal costs rather than your loved ones benefiting.

Also will writing companies tend to disappear after a few year, are not protected by the Law Society and the writers are probably just legal executives rather than a solicitor.

why anyone would consider working all their lives and not take care of their assets after their death.

Long established solicitors may offer a standard set fee for a basic will and there are times when a Will can be offered at a good price.

Pay for expert legal advice, have the will drawn up by an established firm of solicitors, chose an executor plus a partner in the firm, this will ensure that all is above board and you can rest assured your wishes will be complied with

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Our joint bank account gives us a "free" will writing service.

I came into this world with nothing and I'm going out the same way.

We've told the kids as soon as we retire we're cashing in the house and as long as we don't live to be 100, we should be ok

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm only 22 but this has reminded me that this is something I need to get sorted rather sharpish

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Never go to a will writing company or do it yourself with a kit from WH Smith. For a document as important as this then go to a solicitor.

Also will writing companies tend to disappear after a few year, are not protected by the Law Society and the writers are probably just legal executives rather than a solicitor.

why anyone would consider working all their lives and not take care of their assets after their death.

Long established solicitors may offer a standard set fee for a basic will and there are times when a Will can be offered at a good price.

I disagree. It depends on how large your estate and assets are. And also the likelihood of it being contested. For many people, in fact I suspect the majority paying a fortune to solicitors is pointless.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You can buy perfectly legal will kits in WH Smith for £15.99. My Dad got one and I went through it with him - very easy to do and legally secure."

Its this kind of thing that can be open to misinterpretation you see. If you went through it with your dad, and you had other siblings, whose to prove that you dldnt put undue pressure on your father to ensure that you benefi greater than another family member. Who witnessed the will? Are those people going to be of sound mind if that will. was every contested. Can you prove the testator knew it was his will, someone could say you just placed a bit of paper under his nose to sign. Was the witness aware it was a Will.

It would only take a family member to ask those questions and the legal fees proving otherwise can be vast.

A standard will can be a set fee, contentious probate is charged by the hour, your looking about £300 for a basic will against £500 an hour and the amount of hours spent could be at least 5 hours.

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By *urreyfun2008Man
over a year ago

East Grinstead

In the original posters case a basic bit of legal advice sounds reasonable. For most of us the kits are fine to cover things like how money from home is to be split.

A will is nothing more than being able to state your wishes if the unexpected were to happen. The bad side comes from families who then fight and who probably did in real life.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Never go to a will writing company or do it yourself with a kit from WH Smith. For a document as important as this then go to a solicitor.

Also will writing companies tend to disappear after a few year, are not protected by the Law Society and the writers are probably just legal executives rather than a solicitor.

why anyone would consider working all their lives and not take care of their assets after their death.

Long established solicitors may offer a standard set fee for a basic will and there are times when a Will can be offered at a good price.

If that's the case and its all simple and straightforward then you might as well leave it and do nothing as your estate will pass to your next of kin.

If you make a Will then you will need a grant of probate to distribute the money, and you will need to have it sworn by a commissioner of oaths. That's where you may find some

problems. Without a Will then letters of administration are required if there are sizeable assets, property etc. If its just a case of a few bank accounts with a few hundred pound in, then a death certificate will often suffice.

These home made wills or will writers doing your will are just not worth the money there written on in my opinion

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

This thread has really got me thinking just how precious life is....

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm only 22 but this has reminded me that this is something I need to get sorted rather sharpish

well im glad this thread has highlighted it and been a great talking point x

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

I went to a solicitor: that'd be my recommendation.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"This thread has really got me thinking just how precious life is.... "

same here, it was something id never given much thought too as dont have anything of value really (no savings and no house)

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

A standard will can be a set fee, contentious probate is charged by the hour, your looking about £300 for a basic will against £500 an hour and the amount of hours spent could be at least 5 hours.

wowzers and there was me thinking £150 plus VAT was expensive, but she did say mine was simple enough to do when i just explained

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Also if you have a will it costs less out of your estate than if you don't make one plus all the hassle.

Think mine was £200

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

A standard will can be a set fee, contentious probate is charged by the hour, your looking about £300 for a basic will against £500 an hour and the amount of hours spent could be at least 5 hours.

wowzers and there was me thinking £150 plus VAT was expensive, but she did say mine was simple enough to do when i just explained "

I paid that 11 years ago and my will is VERY simple: equal shares, everything to my girls.

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By *illynmintCouple
over a year ago

liverpool

Firstly. You can get one on line. As long as it is signed and witnessed. It is legal.

Solicitors are vultures. They will try and get you to make them an executor of the will. They then demand high fees when you die.

Probate is not a hard thing to do as long as a will is done.

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By *eryBigGirlWoman
over a year ago

East Yorkshire

I think anyone who has a child should ensure they have a will drawn up correctly and professionally. I will add though all the info re kinship care and childrens services is a bit misleading.. Social services do not get involved if a parent dies unless there are no other family members at all or there was ongoing social services involvement. Kinship care is a fostering arrangement and again unless the child was already on a care order or voluntary accommodated this would not come into play!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think anyone who has a child should ensure they have a will drawn up correctly and professionally. I will add though all the info re kinship care and childrens services is a bit misleading.. Social services do not get involved if a parent dies unless there are no other family members at all or there was ongoing social services involvement. Kinship care is a fostering arrangement and again unless the child was already on a care order or voluntary accommodated this would not come into play!!"

Very big girl.

I have to disagree about kinship.

To say that in the event of a parents death when only one parent is bringing up the child , childrens services.would be informed. They have a duty of care and.would not allow any family member to bring up the child without a full fostering assessment made. They also would look for somebody the child knew well. They would not for instance place a child with an absent father the child did not know. Whoever childrens services ask and anybody else who puts themself forward would be assessed and certain checks made. This is called parallel planning. In a case like this where the father is vitual absent and is not named on the birth cert a grandmother or other relative would be considered as a kinship carer. After the assessment through the courts a legal order such as a special guardianship would be given to the carer. This would give the carer full parental responsibilty excluding all others. It would allow the carer to bring the child up without interference. And allow contact with the absent father to be managed by the carer.

Also the child would become classed as looked after. Childrens services would no longer be involved unless asked by the carer at a later date. The childs future would be secure and childrens services would be happy the child would be cared for.

To say that another family member could just bring up the child is not true.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Of course to avoid much of the above. Appoint a guardian while you are alive.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Everyone should make a Will. The penalty for dying intestate can be severe for your loved ones.....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cute, I know you say you don't have anything of value to leave to your daughter, but you are a young woman and its likely your circumstances will change.

An example for instance; you meet a man and decide to buy a house together. You buy the house as 'joint tenants' which means that on the death of either of you, the house and its possessions will pass to the surviving partner. If you died the house will be his, he may not give anything to your daughter.

If you bought a house together as 'tenants in common' it means that you each hold a share equally and you could leave your share of the house to your daughter and he could leave his share to whoever he likes. The downside of course is that if he died you would have to pay half the house to whoever he left it to or sell the house. If you weren't married but he had children with an ex, then they would be his next of kin and they would be entitled to his share. Youd have to pay them off or sell your house.

Today there are many generations of familes and people split up and start new relationships. The meeting the one and having children and staying together forever is often not the case nowadays. Your cheap online will or going to a will writer is not giving you adequate legal assurity that your children are provided for in the event of your death.

Its too important to try and do yourself and do cheaply. Go to the expects. They study law for many years for a reason

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hiya I have pm you about the cost of a will x

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By *smCouple
over a year ago

Liskeard

"Is it an easy thing to do? Ive seen some online do it yourself ones or am i best just going to a solicitor?

Are you not like 25? Dont worry about that stuff now.

Age isn't a reason not to have a will. People die at all ages.

True I suppose. Did you have one at 25?

My late husband did... And before his first fight with cancer, he up dated it when he met me, and again when we married, he was 42 when he died,

He left instructions on how he wanted his funeral, what he was to wear, ect,

He left certain items of little monetary value but great sentimental value to friends and family, with out this I wouldn't have know what went to whom. My will needs up dating now, because I left everything to him, but can't bring my self to do

this yet,

Cute, start by talking to mum , then make a rough draft of how you want thing to happen, It's hard talking about death but we know it happens and sometimes with no warning,

Hugs and strength my lovely, x

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