Do you have a will? If so, how much did it cost? There're companies online that do cheap wills but they're not proper solicitors, anyone have experience of these? Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
You don’t need a solicitor to write a will however it will need to be lodged in probate court following your death so ensure that it is witnessed as per the legal requirements else it can be rejected by the court.
You can write it on a cornflake box if you choose. I would advise however that if your will is complex or likely to be contested that you get it checked by a solicitor. If it’s simple and no grievances are likely. Just write it by hand and get it witnessed. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership."
Ours would be a simple one. If you write it yourself, then do you have to get a solicitor involved when the will is acted on? (or whatever the correct term is) |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership.
Ours would be a simple one. If you write it yourself, then do you have to get a solicitor involved when the will is acted on? (or whatever the correct term is)"
No your named executor will either need to apply for probate (if assets demand) or can start dealing with your asset holders with letters of administration many people use a solicitor because it takes the hassle out of the process at a difficult time. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership.
Ours would be a simple one. If you write it yourself, then do you have to get a solicitor involved when the will is acted on? (or whatever the correct term is)
No your named executor will either need to apply for probate (if assets demand) or can start dealing with your asset holders with letters of administration many people use a solicitor because it takes the hassle out of the process at a difficult time. "
I did also register a copy with the probate registry. It cost me a couple of quid (can't remember how much, £25 maybe?) but is a one-off charge, whereas leaving it in a secure envelope with a solicitor seemed to have an annual fee.
I've made my executrix aware of where my copy is and that it's also registered if she can't find my copy of it.
I've tried to make things as easy as possible in the hope that she won't need huge amounts of legal help, but any legal help she wants will be funded by my estate anyway, so whatever makes it easiest for her. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership.
Ours would be a simple one. If you write it yourself, then do you have to get a solicitor involved when the will is acted on? (or whatever the correct term is)
No your named executor will either need to apply for probate (if assets demand) or can start dealing with your asset holders with letters of administration many people use a solicitor because it takes the hassle out of the process at a difficult time. "
Many thanks. Can you transfer ownership of your house straight to your children or does it have to be sold? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
 |
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Do you have a will? If so, how much did it cost? There're companies online that do cheap wills but they're not proper solicitors, anyone have experience of these? Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance."
Have a look at “10 minute wills” online. You answer questions and it writes the will depending on your answers. It’s then checked and emailed to you. If you don’t have complex finances then they are all you need. I used with my Dad after my Mum died as he needed a new will. After he died it all went through probate with no problems. He paid £20 - I did my own at the same time. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I wrote my own using one of those forms, because it was a spectacularly simple will to write - a couple of personal bequests and the remainder split between my mum and two charities, or all to the charities if she predeceases me.
If it's a complex will (kids from past relationships, as an example) then the forms aren't much use.
I needed to get my uncle to write one and his was far more complicated. At certain times of the year some solicitors will offer a cheap will-writing service for charity, so I think I set my uncle up with an appointment for £50.
If you're a member of a trade association, a professional body or a trade union it's worth checking if they have free will writing as a benefit of membership.
Ours would be a simple one. If you write it yourself, then do you have to get a solicitor involved when the will is acted on? (or whatever the correct term is)
No your named executor will either need to apply for probate (if assets demand) or can start dealing with your asset holders with letters of administration many people use a solicitor because it takes the hassle out of the process at a difficult time.
Many thanks. Can you transfer ownership of your house straight to your children or does it have to be sold? "
In English law you can leave everything to whoever you like. It won’t stop anyone contesting anything. The inheritors can then keep or sell at their agreed choice. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
A number of charities have deals where by if you donate a sum, normally 40 or 50 pound you can get a simple will done for free with a solicitor. Look up your local air ambulance, cancer charity or similar. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
