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Post by Tig on Nov 10, 2009 15:03:47 GMT
It is a delicate question, and one I'm sure lots of us put off doing ... But have you thought about making a Will? I have thought about it for a few years but haven't got around to it, however I am seriously considering doing it as part of my 'plan for life'. During November there is an option to get a 'free' will drawn up under the Will Aid scheme, where solicitors do the work for free (honestly  ) and you make a donation to Will Aid ... if you are interested check this out www.willaid.org.uk/x Tig |
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Post by Jasmine on Nov 10, 2009 15:19:59 GMT
Thanks for bringing this up Tig. I nag OH constantly about a will if only so that at least our wishes for the boys have to be listened to even if the powers that be then take it upon themselves to do what they think best.
I am going to show OH your link - maybe the word 'free' will grab his attention.
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Post by Tig on Nov 10, 2009 16:02:03 GMT
I've been trying to get my DB to deal with it for some time too Jas   |
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Post by Rosefriend on Nov 10, 2009 16:19:11 GMT
I do think this is very important and my OH and I made a will a few years ago.
When my Mum was still alive I asked her what she "wanted" as my Dad had died some years before and as I live in Germany, it would take me a while to get over. I actually arranged her whole funeral service, hymns, funeral parlour - the lot. When she died it was a Saturday afternoon and very sudden - I rang the funeral parlour and the solicitor and by the time I arrived two days later everything was organised.
It made a terribly sad time easier knowing that at a time when I wasn't thinking very clearly that her wishes were being followed.
My grandchildren also have "substitute parents" should there be an accident to their real parents - obviously the will has been prepared by a solicitor in this case.
The kids know where to find all our paperwork for the house and all the insurance policies etc. just in case.
I do believe that it makes things a lot easier in time of grief.
RF
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Post by Auricula on Nov 10, 2009 16:52:04 GMT
We made wills about 7 years ago. Make sure your dependants know where it is, but DON'T be tempted to leave it with the solicitor - likewise the deeds to your house when you pay off the mortgage. I say this from personal experience.When my Dad died, we needed probate ( as my Mum dad already died) and they will not accept copies of the will. We contacted the solicitor who - over the passage of several years and 2 moves of premises, said they didn't have the original, it must have been misplaced!. It took ages to sort out. My friend had the same thing happen to her, and an aquaintance of ours had trouble retrieving their house deeds as they'd been misplaced too. We bought a home- safe and screwed it to the floor.However, it took us 5 years to realise that we'd better give the kids the combination....Doh!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2009 18:42:54 GMT
We made wills when Mrs FA was expecting our first child. I wanted to make sure that everything was sorted in the event that something happened to me or us so that the baby would be looked after.
We did "mirror" wills so that if something happens to one of us, the other one gets everything and if something happens to both of us, our wishes are the same for looking after the children etc.
I think it cost about £150 but it was worth doing for the peace of mind it brought.
FA x
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Post by Missredhead on Nov 10, 2009 18:50:03 GMT
After my Hubby died I made a will so that there would be no chance of arguments between my kids...not that I think that there would be But you never know ;D |
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Post by beanie on Nov 11, 2009 13:07:34 GMT
we made one last year and included an enduring power of attorney at the same time. it was put off for a number of years as it seems like tempting fate. And it's also admitting that were getting older  |
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Post by snowowl on Nov 11, 2009 14:35:38 GMT
Cancer research are doing the same thing at one of our local solicitors. We had a free will drawn up last year no charge at all but they would like you toleave a donation in your will to the cancer charity. We had left it for ages till we saw that it was for the over 55s only though. Funnily enough we felt so much better after we had done it morbid or not  |
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Post by Barbara on Nov 11, 2009 15:08:50 GMT
Your dancing man reminds me of someone, but I can't think who, it's really good though.  I will one day get around to doing a Will. |
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Post by borderbabe on Nov 12, 2009 21:19:53 GMT
As someone who has been around the legal profession for 30 years I think it is very important to make a will. Despite what so many people believe money, property etc dont automatically go to your spouse. Even more important if you and your significant other are not married. I have witnessed many times the shock of knowing that your partner's property and effects could go to their parents, brothers and sisters etc because there was no ill.
Also very important in these days of extended families and step-children etc.
Get thee to your solicitors and talk it through with them.
Please dont be tempted to try and do it yourself - a mis-placed word can be a disaster and more money goes to try and sort out estates left by badly drafted wills than getting them to do it in the first place!
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Post by Amo on Nov 15, 2009 8:20:28 GMT
We've had to re do our wills three times in the last 6 years due to changing circumstances so it's important to keep on top of them. Also the Power of Attorney is vital should one of you become incapacitated.
I think most people are surprised with what they've got when it comes to actually considering it and even the little things matter. Do you want your daughter to have your grandmothers engagement ring or do you want it sold and the proceeds divided?
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) and you make a donation to Will Aid ... if you are interested check this out
