What to do when a partner/spouse dies.

Jennifer_Jane

Thanks, margaretclare, have also got a special place where the will is kept and policy documents etc. But, because so much is online, I also have a list of accounts, passwords and so on, so that they can also be accessed. We MoneySavers have such complicated financial affairs (!) that it's going to be a nightmare for my executor to know what's going on. But everything is in order, all in one place, and details on a pendrive.

Love
Jen x

margaretclare

moonrakerz wrote: »

But ! the sort of things that are overlooked; all the family photos Mum had, very few are labeled, so I have loads of all these photos only knowing who a few of them are. My wife and I are busy trying to identify who is who, but we are also labeling our photos so our kids aren't left with the same problem.

Oh yes. This is a very important point. I'm in touch with groups involved in family history. It's not just a matter of births, deaths and marriages - it's 'who was who'. And so often it seems that the one person who knew, dies and then the younger generations get interested in family history and their forebears just stare out at them from old sepia photographs, and no one can put a name to them!

We have a picture gallery in our hall-way, and while I can say that one photograph is of my great-grandparents, I know who they were, where they lived etc, my DH has a photo of his ggparents, his grandmother and his mother as a baby - but he hasn't got a name for his great-grandparents! The photo was taken in a studio in Kiev, probably approx 1912, and I think it's quite sad that the old people's names aren't known.

Margaret

margaretclare

Jennifer_Jane wrote: »

Thanks, margaretclare, have also got a special place where the will is kept and policy documents etc. But, because so much is online, I also have a list of accounts, passwords and so on, so that they can also be accessed. We MoneySavers have such complicated financial affairs (!) that it's going to be a nightmare for my executor to know what's going on. But everything is in order, all in one place, and details on a pendrive.

Love
Jen x

Hello, Jen

Yes, all my accounts, and DH's, are online. But there is a typed list of all the banks etc, with account numbers, all kept in the metal fireproof box with copy will, birth and marriage certificates etc. Because one of the early jobs that has to be done is to notify pension providers and any bank where the deceased had an account. Mine is a bit complicated because I get annuity payments from 4 different sources, Prudential etc, as well as from the state pension service. However, all the relevant paperwork is in one place.

Best wishes

Margaret

Nelski

Thanks for the post MC it has started some interesting discussions in my family for sure.

I think its also worth adding that its not just about older people - I am single, 42, have my own business and as someone else pointed out am a good MSEer so have all kinds of accounts, cards etc for both myself and my business. Heaven help anyone who comes in from the cold to sort out my affairs if I should die:eek:

Anyway I started to think about this back when Stormybays husband passed away and she mentioned something similar and I am putting together a document highlighting where everything is. Its more than a will as a will really doesnt take into consideration the fact that you may have 4 credit cards that change every year;) or which of my customers in the business need to be informed or have money owed etc.
I guess it will also be a useful way of reviewing your finances every year if you dont die!

I think everyone should prepare something like this to make what will inevitably be a difficult time for the family a little easier

I am now working on my parents to do something similar but im not holding out too much hope:rolleyes:

Yogibear

we have nothing sorted out we have no kids only a dog and cat when my mother died all her money was left to her grandchildren,my siblings had a vote,we didnt get a vote as we had no kids,honestly.

when our father died my sisters were like locusts cleared everything left us with a cardboard box full of odds and ends.

[Deleted User]

well done Margaret for pointing out something that a lot of people sweep under the carpet. No-one likes to think of dying but that is the one thing that is inevitable

My dh and I made wills and enduring power of attorney for each other through this site
http://www.tenminutewill.co.uk/main.cgi

It isn`t just a death that needs to be thought about but also the `what if` situation of one person becoming incapacitated eg in a car crash. The eda does not get registered unless needed and the rules change in october when the eda becomes a lasting power of attorney, more complicated and has to be registered at once. Previously made eda`s will stand

I do all the finances in this house and I have been closing some bank accounts, previously opened for good interest rates. I have also got my dh to open a cc in his own name as it wouldn`t be any good his being the second named on my cc if I was to die first. I still have things to do ie explicit instructions re his sipp, which will be vested in 5 years and which I manage for him. Also a box, like Margaret, for each of us with details and wishes

We are a good way there

TiggerMJ

DH & I are really needing to make a will - primarily just to make sure our sons (2yrs old & 9 months old) are cared for should anything happen to us - basic will really but no idea where to start! Can't face sitting with the Yellow Pages 'phoning round; Came across this site:

http://www.willdrafters.com/willbrochure.html

& from what they say they can do a will for £66 per single person or £99 per couple & they state they are recommended by "Which?" - it seems a good deal but just want to know if anyone has used them or has any thoughts?

Many apologies if this is in the wrong place & thanks

AnW'sMum

It might be worth checking if you are in a union to see if they offer a will writing service. My union offer free will writing (sometimes there is a small charge) plus mirror wills for partners. They send a form out which you complete and post back, they then send out the finished article. Ideal for simple wills.

TiggerMJ

Many thanks for your reply - it is very much appreciated.

I am retired due to my Cerebal Palsy taking a turn for the worse (the joys of aging!! ) & hubby is my Carer, so we have no work & no Union membership. Many thanks though!

ellat257

Ask at your bank. My bank did mine and OH. It was about £50 plus they also store the will although we have copies with no charge for storing.