Making a will

[cabbagelooking123]

Have just realised there's a legal section! Just posted in Chat but this would probably be better.

So I think dh and I should probably sort out a will but don't know whre to start, how much it costs or what we need to think about.

any ideas please?

[Optimist1]

The MNer called mumblechum is a professional willwriter and comes highly recommended. Her company is Marlow Wills . She did mine in a very friendly and professional manner, and the cost was reasonable.

[Optimist1]

Her MN name is actually Mumblechum1! Everything done by email and phone, lots of guidance where required.

[mumblechum1]

[flowers[ Optimist1, that's very kind of you. I'm glad you were happy.

OP, as mentioned by Optimist, I'm a will writer and if I was making your will I'd be asking you:

1. Basic details inc contact details, ages of children etc
   
2. Whether you own any property abroad
   
3. Whether you own your own limited company
   
4. If you're cohabiting, whether you're likely to marry (this is important as your will is revoked on marriage unless a specific clause is inserted)
   
5. Who you'd like to appoint as executors/trustees to act once you've both died
   
6. As above for at least one guardian if you have minor children
   
7. If you're a blended family, you may wish to make a more complex will to cover the possibility of the survivor of you remarrying
   
8. The value of your estate and discuss IHT issues.
   

And obviously any other issues which may apply to your circumstances.

Costs wise, this will vary quite a bit. When I was in high street practice I charged around £400 per pair of wills plus VAT. I now charge a lot less than that as I don't have the overheads, as I work from home and do most work over the phone and by email.

You should make sure that if you're using a will writer that they're qualified and a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers.

[cabbagelooking123]

Thanks Mumblechum1!

Can I ask you how much you charge for a mirror will please?

[mumblechum1]

Not actually allowed to advertise fees etc on this thread OP but there's a paid-for advert on Classifieds