My dog, my will & my holiday

[StarDolphins]

I wonder if anyone can help?

I have a will. All going to my DD and in an Armageddon situation, all to charity.

I am going on holiday for 4 days with my DD & want a temporary amendment added for these 4 days. Solicitor wants £375 to change it.

Can I leave a signed letter/video of me saying that in the event of us both dying, that I want my ex to live rent free in my (owned outright) house to look after my dog/car until they die. will leave cash in the house for them.

Or is there any other way I can do it that’s cheaper?(given it’s unlikely to happen) Like something online? Seems v expensive but I want to make sure my dog & cat are looked after in their own home.

I am a bit confused - why do you want an amendment for those 4 days?

In case her and her daughter die.

I think you'd be better to put your effort into considering how to manage your anxiety op?

Yes, I got that bit. But why specifically does the ex get the house & the dog if they both die during those 4 days, but not the rest of the time?

Would your ex actually want to move into your house to look after your pets anyway? Have you discussed it with your ex?

Why don't you just permanently amend the will to say it all goes to your daughter, but if she passes away it goes to ex?

Why does your ex get it if you both die in the next 4 days, but if you both die any other time it all goes to charity?

We’re more likely to die on a long coach journey than in our normal life I feel!

Agree you need to work on the anxiety of taking a trip

Yes he would, he pays £800 rent currently so would jump at the chance!

I think I would have that put in the will anyway if that is your wish rather than it being temporary. Like you say it is unlikely to happen but at least if anything happens now or in the future you will know your pets will be looked after. Would your ex be happy with that arrangement if the need ever arose?

Has your ex agreed to this? What happens to the house (his home??) when the pets die? Does he get kicked out?
Are you really planning on leaving with cash in the house for someone to live on for several years?
This whole thing is a bit odd.

Yes I agree. This is the only thing I’m anxious about but yes, you’re right.

Where the heck is the coach taking you to? Hell?

You could draw up a letter of wishes and ask for it to be stored with your Will

Is your home paid off in full? Do you have life insurance? Do you have accident insurance?

OP, gently, I don’t think you’re quite thinking straight on this.

Whether you’re more likely to die on a long coach journey is subjective and potentially inaccurate. If you ever get into the same car together, that may well be more likely. There are myriad scenarios where you could both pass at the same time or quickly.

All of the scenarios and combinations discussed are unlikely but not impossible, hence why we make a will in the first place.

If you’re making contingency arrangements for these four days, it makes no sense for them to differ for any other time.

"We’re more likely to die on a long coach journey than in our normal life I feel!"

No you aren't. That's ridiculous.

Surely if that's what you'd want if you and your daughter both die then you'd have it in the will permanently? I take it your ex agreed to this?

Just write a whole new will at that price. Your solicitor is a piss taker.

So you're really looking forward to this holiday OP?!
Whoever is looking after your dog whilst you are away, should have contact details for your Ex who, presumably, agreed to look after the dog.
Don't worry about the house. Let it go to charity as originally planned.
Otherwise your ex will be accused of planning your accident to get the dog, or the house or both.
Unless your dog is the size of KingKong and needs to remain in your gianormous king kong size house.

Surely the likelihood doesn't matter. If you were both to die, you'd want the pets looked after.

Who is going to check if the pets are alive? If I was him, I'd be buying a new tabby every few years.

🤣 you’d think wouldn’t you! But no, only from airport to resort! But it’s 1.5hrs on windy roads! I would be fine driving the coach but not the coach driver🤣

😁 me too & good point!

Just hire a car if you're worried about the coach. Or private transfer and ask the car driver not to go over a certain speed.
Seriously, a lot easier than all this weird planning.

Op I once drove myself plus dc from the North East to Portugal. Never crossed my mind to even have a will!!

OP. Kindly, you're bonkers. Either permanently amend the will or don't. The four day thing is super weird.

My house & dog are both tiny!

He is looking after my pets at my house while I’m away!

I feel theres a much less chance of me & my DD dying together in our every day life!