Plan after death for those without family

vikkimcd

Hi. Sorry to be morbid, but I am on my way to 50 and been thinking about what I should do regarding my will etc. I have no children and no family left, so do not know where to start. I guess I would like to leave my house etc. to a good cause, it is horrible to think all of my stuff will just be sold or thrown away. It is difficult not to get emotional, so I would appreciate it if anyone knew of any organisations that helped people who are alone, with this sort of thing?

Brie

On my way to a much later age and have some of the same problems. I wonder if the few friends I have would be interested in clearing up whatever mess I leave behind me. Obviously I could leave them any money that's left or even give them my home, probably to sell. But yes what about the old photos, old letters etc. Many years back I used to follow house auctions to buy up bits and pieces and it was sad to see so many personal bits that had no where to go but the bin.

Hope someone has a better answer for you!

poppystar

Not having any family left really does make this so difficult. Not just the after death but also not having anyone obvious to take on the role of Power of Attorney in life. I can see so many difficult issues up ahead. I’ve not found anyone who has used a professional for attorney - would be interested if anyone has experience of this too.

I must admit I’m becoming increasingly worried about travelling in the same vehicle as my only surviving executor!!

As for ‘things’ I am obviously the keeper of all family things being the last man standing. Sometimes I wonder if it is best to dispose of these myself while I still can - but then I wonder if they may give me comfort when no longer able to get out and about?

gwynlas

If you have no family or close friends that you would like to leave your estate to then you can choose a charity or charities to inherit, a solicitor could act as executor.

As regards your personal effects then it would be up to you to manage these going forward so that they are kept to the minimum, though again it is entirely up to you.

None of us know what is around the corner and we could die at any time as i am aware of a couple of family members at 38, 53, and 64. What I would say is enjoy life whilst you can.

BridgetTheCat

I had similar thoughts so last year I made a will, which really concentrates the mind. I’m mid 50s and assuming I outlive my parents I’ll only have a couple of first cousins I’m not close to. I don’t want them to get everything, which they would if I died intestate, and for personal reasons I don’t want to leave it to charity (I’ll continue to donate while I’m alive). My will names my oldest friend and her husband as executors and beneficiaries of 35% of my estate. The rest is divided among 8 other friends and their children.

As for my “stuff” I’m attempting Swedish death cleaning 😬

YBR

It does need a detached look at what you have, and where it might have value.

My Aunt (little family on the same continent) is giving family stuff to museums and art galleries where it might have historical and/or aesthetic value, and to friends and their descendents. She's already had to clear out much of her stuff to move into a supported living apartment.

My mother has been "recluttering" to my house and is offended at some of the items I am thinking of selling, like an old dark portrait of an ancestor in a huge frame. I'd rather keep a good photo of him and not have to find somewhere for him to glower at us!.

GrubbyGirl_2

I have a brother who I wouldn't want to inherit anything from me anyway so that forced me to make a will. My current will leaves half of my assets to my best friend (he has no idea) and the other half is going to 3 charities. If he pre deceases me then it all goes to charity. He is also my LPA and it's clear that if I need care then everything is to be sold to make sure I get good quality care - and that's why he has no idea he is due to inherit a significant amount of money on my death (assuming it hasn't all been spent on my care!) hahaha

lincroft1710

Your "stuff" is important to you and unless there is any historic/intrinsic value, you alone. Mrs L has loads of "dust gatherers" most of which I wouldn't want to keep (she is older than me) and her early middle aged children certainly wouldn't want. I know someone who worked for several care homes over a period of a few years and apparently when a resident died, the relatives just told the management to give the deceased's belongings to the staff.

So enjoy your "stuff" and when you no longer appreciate an item, dispose of it. Don't worry about what will happen to it after you've gone, you will have had your enjoyment of it

sheslookinhot

«Don't worry about what will happen to it (your stuff) after you've gone»

That is the best advice.

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919059#Comment_81919059

Personally I'd rather my money went to charity than to the government

sheslookinhot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919658#Comment_81919658

Quite, but no one is mentioning money.