Writing A Will

[lankeela]

I have no idea how to decide what to leave to who - my only asset is my shared ownership house (my half is paid for) and I have a nephew and niece plus a friend's two daughters that I would like to leave something to and some for the local animal sanctuary (who are offering a free will writing service). I also want to ensure my own dogs will be taken care of. Obviously this is all hopefully some time in the future (I'm late sixties) but having a younger friend currently in a coma and unlikely to come out of hospital has made me think that I need to sort something.

Should I be thinking of set amounts, or percentages and how do I work out how much to leave to who? Any thoughts?

[barry1010]

Is that including all expenses? If it puts your mind at rest I suppose it's worth it

[Maydup]

It might not be everyone's choice, but I'm with Lankeela and would be only too grateful to a charity that offers an executor role in exchange for a substantial gift. Its either that or pay a solicitor and I'd rather my money go to a charity I think.

[ladybirder]

Lankeela I used Which Wills to do my Will a few years ago. It cost me either £99.00 or £199, not sure which.
May have gone up now of course but they help you if you need it and check it all out for you when you'e finished and point out anything not quite right.You must have heard of the Which magazine? It's reputable.

https://whichwills.which.co.uk

[barry1010]

Farewill is not a charity, nor a law firm. Charities pay the will writers to participate in the scheme in the hope of getting substantial bequests. The will writers push the client in to making them executors so they can make more money.

Farewill also sells direct to crem funerals.

Martin Lewis says:
"Many charities offer fee-free will-writing by solicitors. In return, they hope you'll make a donation or leave a 'bequest' in your will (leaving them something when you die) – though you're not obliged to.

Do remember though: it is a charity paying for your will, and it may be shelling out £100s, so please seriously consider leaving a bequest."
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills/#needsolicitor

[lankeela]

Its a charity I support anyway so quite happy to leave them a bequest.

[Barmaid]

I would suggest you make your nephew and niece executors and they can they decide whether they wish to appoint someone to act for them. The key point is they are in control. I always think that appointing a couple of the major beneficiaries is best - although not appropriate in every case.

Anyone I was appointing as executors I would consider:-
Who are the company? Are they solicitors? Are they regulated by the FSA? If not, can I be sure they have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses to my estate?
Are the fees fixed fees? What about contingencies (plus yours does not sound straightforward)? Does that include conveyancing fees?
How does that relate to a situation in 20 years' time?

If you appoint a private individual, none of these considerations apply since they can then choose who they wish to instruct - if anyone. Matters may be quite different when you die to what they are now and this gives maximum flexibility.

[Maydup]

Imagine a situation where the nephews and nieces are really quite distant and you'd prefer not to contact them to discuss them being your executors.......in fact the main beneficiary is a charity. What is the best way to proceed Barmaid?

[Barmaid]

I'd appoint the charity as the exec, Maydup.

[Zacs-Master]

I’m glad Barmaid has added some points to consider regarding free will services. They’re fine, until something goes wrong and then…
They’re not.