Writing your own will

sagalout1954

Agree with Biggles, Gran shouldn't have only 1 executor, creates a complication if he karks it before she does!

Gran could opt for a codicil changing her choice of executors, we did that many years ago though at the time it did cost nearly as much as a whole new (basic) will would have cost anyway.

If she needs more clarification of the terminology than Rodders has given then perhaps you could contact Age Concern, our local one has voluntary solicitors on certain days, it's more 'legalese' that you're having problems understanding and they could help with that.

localhero

honeyD wrote:

There are very valid reasons why she doesnt want them on, Im not sure if she would want them as her "2nd or 3rd" really. I will tell her though that this should be something she will think about and see what she says. Could there be any complications if she put her daughter in law?

Being an executor is a position of responsibility and her decision should be based upon who she trusts and who has the time and capability to carry out her wishes.

It can be anyone at all - and in most cases will be one or more of the main beneficiaries. Sometimes - perhaps where there is an ongoing trust such as a gift to a child - or the likelihood of a dispute - then independent executors will be appropriate.

I agree with others in that where there is a desire for only 1 executor, that there should be one or more named as back ups in case the main choice cannot act for any reason.

Personally, I feel making a new Will would be preferable to a codicil and someone qualified for this task should be sought to explain things to gran in clear, simple terms without using unnecessary legal jargon.

Biggles

localhero wrote: »

Being an executor is a position of responsibility and her decision should be based upon who she trusts and who has the time and capability to carry out her wishes.

Quite right. It's no good choosing Son No 3 because she now likes him more than Nos 1 & 2 if he might be hopeless at administering the estate.

If the daughter-in-law were competent and trustworthy, it could be a good choice, irrespective of whether she is directly a beneficiary. Though might she not be so willing if a divorce were to occur in five years' time?

Just a thought.

postie_bear

just paid £143 for both my partners and my wills. It would have been £85 each

i agree it can be confusing but i'm glad i have sorted mine out (i'm 34) but you never know whats around the corner

honeyD

Biggles wrote: »

Quite right. It's no good choosing Son No 3 because she now likes him more than Nos 1 & 2 if he might be hopeless at administering the estate.

If the daughter-in-law were competent and trustworthy, it could be a good choice, irrespective of whether she is directly a beneficiary. Though might she not be so willing if a divorce were to occur in five years' time?

Just a thought.

Lol. Its not that shes changing because she likes him more than the others.
She was told by her solicitor at the time to pick one who lived closest and 1 & 2 lived closest at the time so she put them as she didnt know who to choose. Shes been having a LOT of problems with these 2 over the years and she no longer feels she can trust them for reasons I cannot go into on a public forum. She has now chosen her 2 (son and his son) who she will put as executors and it seems to me they are the best choices for her.
Weve now seen about Will Aid and have an appointment in November with a solicitor.

honeyD

Hi, Just a little update. Spoke to my gran after finding out about Will Aid. She was at the solicitor today so it is all sorted so just wanted to say thanks for all of the help and advice given on this thread. It was very helpful!
The solicitor said she is the only person booked in for Will Aid this year, so it seems many people probably dont know about it so I think people need to spread the word a bit more!
Thanks everyone