Will Writing Advice

ian-d

Can anyone help me, I need to consider writing a will to ensure that my partner is financially secure should the worst happen.

I might take part in the charity (willaid) scheme available in November, and am quite happy to pay the recommended amount to charity, but my question is:

If you just have a solicitor draw up a will and not become the executor (because I think that is chargeable), what happens with the Will? Do I keep it safe or is it held on a national database or something?

I'm just unsure what would happen if say I die and no-one has access to the Will I've made safe; how would they find it? How would they know I even have a will?

Sorry it sounds like maybe a basic question, but I have no idea how it works; I just know I need one!

RAS

The Probate regsitry offer a stoage facility for aBOUT £15

ian-d

Is the general rule that you take the signed will away and store yourself? What would happen in instances where your family don't know you have a will?!?!

beckysbobbles

As others have said it's essential you let people know where your will is held.

I have one with HSBC bank and hold it in their safe so if/when anything happens they can see I have safe keeping on my account.

It isn't a nice thing to deal with but it's sensible.

I was 21 when we wrote our will.

SmlSave

Hi Ian, any decent solicitor will store the original Will for you free of charge. You would have a copy of the Will and its good practice to let your Executors know that you have one and where it's stored. Or keep your copy somewhere obvious i.e. with all official papers.

The problem with storing the Will yourself is that it can easily get damaged or folded if not stored correctly. Your not even allowed a paperclip mark on the original Wills now.

clw1

The solicitor that wrote our will is storing it in his safe for free even though he is not an excutor. We have also requested 3 certified copies (1 for us and 1 for each of the nominated exectors) so that everyone is aware of the will's existance.

ian-d

Who does the executor need to be? I don't have a regular solicitor so not sure if I should use them, or a member of family???

Errata

I'd suggest two family members, that's pretty usual. They must execute the will for nothing except any allowable expenses whereas a solicitor as executor will charge like a mad bull.

ian-d

What happens if the executor dies before and the will hasn't been changed.

Sorry, this is all very morbid

Errata

It can happen, that's why it's a good idea to have two executors. Of course, you can always make a new will naming undead executorss.

jezebel

Errata wrote: »

It can happen, that's why it's a good idea to have two executors. Of course, you can always make a new will naming undead executorss.

Undead Executors?

I'm definitely asking Edward Cullen to be my executor