Making a will is giving me sleepless nights

Old_Git

I remember hearing about my great grandparents will .
One son was left a farm and a coal business the other was left £1 so he couldn't contest on the grounds he got nothing .

JoolzS

Leave it all to charity or charities. You'll be dead and gone when all the crap may or may not kick off. Do what your heart tells you. There is no rule that says you have to leave any of your estate to your children - although I do think it is nice to tell them in advance that they won't be getting anything.

I've always told my mum (I'm the only obvious inheritor) that she can spend every single penny she has and if I inherit nothing then I hope she enjoyed spending it.

yorkshireman2

I agree with those who say spend, spend, spend.

If the last cheque written is to pay the undertaker then you've hit the bullseye!

Seriously, rather than getting anxious about what to do treat yourself in every way possible. Why not go on a round the world cruise, get the best TV in the shop, get the car you've always dreamed off, and maybe even to a new house or apartment if that appeals.

It's your life and there's no law saying you need to leave an inheritance. I certainly wouldn't have begrudged my parents if they'd spent everything.

And if there is anything left at the end of your fun time then let your offspring have it with a smile on your face.

missile

Why agonise? It is your money distribute as you think best. If you want to leave it to the postie, then do it.

You do not HAVE to make a will. If you can't or don't want to decide, don't and your estate will be distributed in accordance with the rules.

pollypenny

Another vote for enjoying life and spending.

As a fallback, I would also make a will with tight conditions to ensure the spouses can get nothing.

Be_Happy

Be careful reading this thread if you live in Scotland.

No matter what Will says, spouse and children (even adult children) can claim 'legal rights'. This does not include any property, but does include the value of everything else in estate including deceased's share of household furniture, etc.

Can't remember what spouse's share is, but children can share 1/3 of estate value excluding property. So no way of disinheriting them.

renegade

When I went to my Solicitor to make a 'free will', she could see I was struggling as to who should benefit from what little money I have to leave, she helped me a lot then said 'If I were you I would just spend the lot on yourself that way there will be no arguments within the family'.
I didn't, so made the will.
2 years on, I went back to the Solicitor and asked for my will, she gave it to me and I went home and burned it.
The reason? Family falling out with me, some members brown nosing me, relatives coming out of the woodwork I haven't seen for years.

I should have listened to my solicitor in the first place, still I am enjoying my money, buying what I want with no qualms .

They can fight about my furnishings I won't care and have no property to leave them either.

gayleanne

I wish my Mum and Dad would spend the lot, and get something out of what they have spent all their lives working for. They are both in their late 70s, both have worked long past retirement age, never claimed a penny in benefits, have loads in the bank and own their own house. But they have never had a brand new car, even their washing machine and tumble driers have always been second hand, their tv's have always been from one of us that are replacing our old one, my Mum always shops for clothes in charity shops. I truly wish they would spend the lot on a dream holiday, anything, just enjoy what they have saved over the years.