MSE Poll: Do you have a will? If not, why not?

MSE_Gavin

Poll started 3 September 2024

If you want to dictate where your assets go when you die, you need a will – a legal document telling everyone what should happen to your money, possessions and property. Wills can be made cheaply, and sometimes for free – see our Cheap wills guide. With Free Wills Month coming up in October and Will Aid in November, please let us know if you have a will, and if not, why not?

Click here to vote in the poll. 

Did you vote? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below.
If you haven't already, join the forum to reply.

Thanks!

DigForVictory

Could I suggest adding a widow(er) option? It made a serious difference to how up to date my Will is...
I have one as it brings huge peace of mind - to the lads & to me.

badmemory

A POA can be even more important.

Torry_Quine

DigForVictory said:

Could I suggest adding a widow(er) option? It made a serious difference to how up to date my Will is...
I have one as it brings huge peace of mind - to the lads & to me.

I agree. I'm not able to fill in the poll because of this. 

Keep_pedalling

Interesting that of those that have responded to the poll, 100% of unmarried couples don’t have a will and these are the people who 100% who should have one.

Ectophile

badmemory said:

A POA can be even more important.

But a POA expires the moment you do.  Leaving your relatives with no way to sort out your estate.

kags

If you’re not married/civil partnered, for goodness sake get a will sorted (or get married/civil partnered at least).
Me and my partner “never got around to it”, so when he died suddenly, completely out of the blue six months ago, me and his brother (who fortunately I’m on good terms with and has gone along with my partner’s wishes … as stated by me!) have had all sorts of fun and games trying to sort out a low-value estate.

LameWolf

Another here who is not happy that there isn't a "widowed" option.

Torry_Quine

LameWolf said:

Another here who is not happy that there isn't a "widowed" option.

You aren't the first to say that.

Bellisima

I’ve found speaking to people I know who don’t have a will, that they think it will be too complicated listing all their assets.  You don’t actually have to list assets, unless you want to leave your Ming vase to someone in particular,  You just leave your assets to your partner, children, or siblings, or whoever as a whole.  The executor will list all the assets upon your death, you don’t have to.  You can also decide what to do with the assets you’ve left to someone, but they deceased you.  Solicitors are very knowledgeable and helpful and will be able to advise you.  I have left everything to my husband on my death and if he dies before me, then my assets are shared equally between his 3 children and my 3 siblings.  If any of them die before me then their share goes to their children.  There are many options but it is essential to do one unless you have no assets whatsoever and if your not married then it is crucial to make a will.