Help with making out a will

collectors

We have a friend that hasn't made a will and if she was to pass away would be giving the lovely government/taxman many hundreds of thousands as there is no next of kin. The next problem is she will not trust a solicitors. So we said at least make out a basic will "even on line" to stop the money going to waist.
Is there somthing that can be set up & maybe appoint 3 people to deal with her estate & expenses for funerals ext & the rest go to wild life charity's as this is one thing she is sure she would want to do.. Any suggestions?.

marlot

If she's donating to charity, they may cover the cost of writing the will.


https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills/

xylophone

The next problem is she will not trust a solicitors.

This is unfortunate in view of the value of the estate.

Could you not look here

https://www.step.org/member-directory

explain that a home made will might lead to difficulties

and help her find a suitable local practice?

Silvertabby

If she's sure that she wants her money to go to charity, then she really must make a Will. Otherwise, her assets will go to the Government - or perhaps some remote niece or nephew she has never clapped eyes on.

melanzana

I don't think it is necessary to use a solicitor for will drafting, but is advised mostly and I concur.

However if person wants to leave everything to charity then a simple will will be fine.

Look up a will online. Appoint executors, revoke previous wills, pay debts and funeral expenses and leave estate to x, y z charities.

Sign and witnesses in two people's presence and good to go.

LHW99

leave estate to x, y z charities

may need to say something like "leave residue of estate to charities" - hence the reason why having a solicitor at least check it is wise.

crv1963

In this case be absolutely blunt with your friend- make a will or give everything to the government. Hold her hand if needs be at the solicitors but diy will not do.

Silvertabby

When we made our Wills our solicitor advised us to leave £X to charity/charities rather than X%. The reason being that charities are duty bound to get the maximum %age, and so will fight to get the best possible price for the house/saleable assets - even if that means taking months/years to settle the estate and paying over the odds for legal fees.

crv1963

I've just realised that it is willaid month. That means your friend wont even have to pay (while living) for it, she only has to leave I think about £300 to the sponsoring charity.

AnotherJoe

Beat me to it, yes its willaid month tell her to go for it.