DIY Will

LeadFarmer

I haven't seen the will, but I'm sure she would show it to me if I asked.

She says theres no point paying a solicitor for a will as her will is simple, with her three children (one being myself) being the beneficiaries, apart from the trust fund.

I see her point, as intestate rules mean her estate passes to her children anyway

From the gov.uk website...
The estate is shared equally between the children or their descendants.

But Ive explained this doesn't cover any unexpected eventualities, but she won't budge.

Its frustrating as my mother and father spent ages sorting out her elderly parents financial affairs, but won't get something like a will done for herself. If I talk to her about it I feel that I appear as being greedy and selfish.

Mojisola

LeadFarmer wrote: »

Its frustrating as my mother and father spent ages sorting out her elderly parents financial affairs, but won't get something like a will done for herself. If I talk to her about it I feel that I appear as being greedy and selfish.

It is a shame. I think the person who refuses to leave their affairs in order is the person who is being selfish but she obviously thinks that the DIY will is adequate.

lisyloo

Under what cirucumstances would it be inadequate in a simple situation like this?

Mojisola

lisyloo wrote: »

Under what cirucumstances would it be inadequate in a simple situation like this?

If any of the wording is ambiguous.

If the will hasn't been signed correctly by the testator and the witnesses.

lisyloo

Hmm......... So if you clearly state you want everything you own split between your offspring and sign it correctly you're ok.
Doesn't seem like a huge risk to me.

Mojisola

lisyloo wrote: »

Hmm......... So if you clearly state you want everything you own split between your offspring and sign it correctly you're ok.
Doesn't seem like a huge risk to me.

Might not be - but any problems won't show up until after you're dead and it's too late to put them right.

greenglide

.... and if one of the offspring dies leaving two offspring of there own?

Do they get nothing or half of what their parent would have got or .....

Keep_pedalling

greenglide wrote: »

.... and if one of the offspring dies leaving two offspring of there own?

Do they get nothing or half of what their parent would have got or .....

That would depend on the wording of the will, but if no clause was included as to what should happen in this scenario, then the grand children would inherit their parent's legacy in equal shares.

ischofie1

A friend who is a solicitor once told me the worst thing you can do is DIY on a will.
Obviously you won't be around to find out if it was a good idea or not!!

bigadaj

ischofie1 wrote: »

A friend who is a solicitor once told me the worst thing you can do is DIY on a will.
Obviously you won't be around to find out if it was a good idea or not!!

Wouldn't disagree but it's a bit like a mechanic telling you no to work on your car, there is an element of self interest there.