OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
But surely that is covered by a standard mirror will.
Free wills month - any good ?
- Thread starter kingrollo
- Start date
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But surely that is covered by a standard mirror will.
Gwylan
Veteran
- Location
- All at sea⛵
It's "free will" you can do what you like. Just in this case you don't have to face the consequences.
Electric_Andy
Heavy Metal Fan
- Location
- Plymouth
We signed up to a free one a few years ago; it was free (obviously) but then there was a £10/year charge to enable an "anytime amendment" optoin. We soon realised that our situation (not married, have kids but not together, have other assets but not together) is fairly complicated so it probably wasn't worth the paper it was written on. We need to get on and do one really, but it's hard to work out what is essentially a difficult situation if one or the other of us dies.
rogerzilla
Legendary Member
We've just had wills and LPAs done and it cost about £2,500. The LPAs were far more expensive than the wills. We shouldn't need to ever change them, though; they have been written in such a way that they anticipate most eventualities.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
That's why one needs a good solicitor. We have three sons, one of whom has Downs Syndrome. We need to provide for him, our other sons and ensure our own needs are covered.
It took a very long time but we eventually found a solicitor who could help us. She was aware of our family situation before we arrived. In a 45 minute presentation she answered all our questions and concerns before we put them to her.
She was the first solicitor we found with knowledge and understanding. I met several who offered to "look in to" things for us. I wrote them off immediately.
Not really, as each Individual will will reflect different wishes, especially if one of you has children from another marriage
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
I thought the whole point of a mirror will was that they were pretty similar. We don't have kids from previous marriage.
Not a legal person but in simple terms my estate passes to my surviving spouse (and vyse versa). If that's the case why would I need an extra clause so that she can live in the house that goes to her by default.
They are similar, if I die then my wife will inherit my half of our estate and vice versa, however what is important is to be specific about the wishers of the survivor in the event of their death, otherwise you would have to write another will.
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
Yes I understand that.
But surely a clause or whatever it is saying that my wife can remain in the house after I die - doesn't cover what you have described above?
If it was an extra £250 so my wishes are respected after my death and ultimately my spouses death I get that.
But all the business about my wife staying in the house after I die makes no sense - I thought that was the default. I've never heard of anyone being evicted from a home they own outright when there partner dies.
it can happen
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I don't know if it's default but there is a solution. House ownership is generally either:
Joint Tenancy where both partners own the property with an equal share each. On first death the deceased's share passes to the survivor. This is what most couples have.
Tenancy in Common where both partners own a share, not necessarily equal, of the property. Each party can bequeath his/her share however they wish. In our case we own 50% each. On death 50% of our house goes into trust for the children. The survivor retains the other 50%. The house can't be sold without the survivor's agreement.
It's simple to change the ownership type if that's what you wish to do.
