Have You Made a Will?
Other
I made my first one at age 36/37 and it is wise to do one even when young or your children may be raised by someone you would not choose yourself.
I didn't want to create a new topic for this but cannot find the previous topic (different subject) where it was discussed.
I wanted TheChimp especially to see this as free wills are available this month.
Please remember that you may be causing a whole lot of heartache for your loved ones if you don't leave a will. In my job as a Registrar I saw families torn apart and surviving partners tossed out of the family home when blood relatives crawled out of the woodwork. Please do it everyone, life is unpredictable, especially now.
Do you have children? Works pension/death in duty? Any special jewellery or sentimental pieces? A car etc. If you don't mind who gets them that is fine but if you have anything at all it can cause problems.
I have kids but no pension/ death in duty as not working no expensive jewellery and the family car is in my partner name@Lynibis
Imnotcheap I won't keep on at you lol but just keep in mind that if you and your partner died together (car accident etc) your kids may be raised by someone you would not choose yourself. All three of my sisters placed their kids in my care but now all grown so not a problem.
Lynibis You may try to state in a will who you would like to take care of your children, but they are not under any obligation to do so.
It's better in my opinion if arrangements for care of children is left in "A letter of wishes" Which although not a legal document, should be kept with will, and in many ways preferable for certain arrangements.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/wills-and-probate/content/103504
In days gone by - God Parents were virtually the automatic choice. (They made certain promises at christening)
davidstockport Yes you are right, they may not want the responsibility, that is why it is wise to ask them before you make the will, as my sister did. My younger son has asked his older brother to take on his son in those circumstances and he is more than happy to do so.
Thanks for sharing, this is in my to do list as I am not married and have a toddler. As you said even if you don't have a lot it is worth doing it just for the children. Don't think this one will be free for me but will have a look somewhere else.
It is free for everyone but they do suggest a minimum of £100 is left to a charity in the will (although it isn't compulsory). I heard that on a TV programme very recently.
Here’s a bit more info about Free Wills Month
Free Wills Month (England and Wales) runs twice a year, usually in March and October.
Free Wills Month brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written or updated free of charge by using participating solicitors in locations across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Just be aware that the charity might expect or encourage you to make a donation, and/or to leave a gift in your Will to the charity.
A good cheap alternative if you are under 55, and if your affairs aren't complicated is to use a WH Smith Will Pack (Price £22.99) See:
https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/lawpack-last-will-and-testament-kit/9781910143834.html
You may also find this free pdf guide Practical advice about making
and updating your will useful:
I’m more concerned about who will pay for the funeral before my kids get their share of my estate. Is it sensible to give them some money now to access once I die? After all funerals are ridiculously expensive even though I would like my body just to go to the crem and a gathering to share a drink or meal for all friends and family.
If you have an estate then morally and legally the cost of the funeral comes out of it, or relatives get lumbered. In real need there is provision for state funerals but only after all other avenues are explored.
Alternatively you could leave your body to anatomical research and they are allowed to keep it for (last time I was involved) about 2 years. They then return the body and pay for a basic funeral.
Only you know your kids but personally I wouldn't give them funeral money before you've kicked the proverbial.....far too tempting. Just put away in an account.
Pjran I suggest you think about taking out a funeral plan. You can get an idea of costs here:
Myself and other half are writing one in new year we both already have life insurance. We also going to pre pay a funeral we don’t wont anything fancy after all we won’t be their anyway. Plus I don’t agree where people have these big wakes for people to get drunk nice cream cake and tea at the family home be more then enough
I am not sure how I feel about wakes Ann. Part of me wants it to be sombre and show respect for my passing but another part would like to think they would all have a good time and remember me for it!
I like the idea of a small gathering at home but with maybe a good stiff drink to start the proceedings.
I do know that I will choose the music and order of service lol.
They will know all about bad luck if you die intestate and they have to go through months and months of probate. I tend to think the opposite, it is rather silly to think you will die because you've made a will....when your number is up it is up!
I’m 25 and I have a will... when I bought my house, I wanted to make sure that the house and my money went where I wanted it to - mostly to charity as my parents certainly dont need financial help and I don’t have any kids yet
Just remember to update if/when you have kids. Don't want them going to charity lol.
I made a Will soon after having my children, funny though, when we asked family to look after our children if anything happened to us they didn’t want to. By the way nothing wrong with children but we do have four. Luckily all grown up now and don’t need looking after.
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
