Some advice on amending wills by yourself

[icapturethecastle]

My FIL wants to amend a couple of things on his will. Very simple things BIL has died and he is mentioned in the will not as a beneficiary though. Also SIL has her previous married name in the will.

Is it ok to strikethrough these items, signed and date where corrected and get a person to witness when these corrections have been done.

Or should he go the solicitor to amend. His solicitors is a bit of a faffer and it will probably take ages and cost a lot.

If anyone can answer that would be great have been googling for answers with no luck.

sorry for typos

I personally wouldn't run the risk and would just get a new one done so you would know it was 100% legally binding. It may be acceptable but I don't think I'd run the risk. Spending approximately 150 pounds now on getting it done properly would be money well spent in my opinion.

You need Mumblechum1, she is MNets resident wills expert. She has an advert in small businesses so worth contacting her unless she appears on here later which I'm sure she will do.

link here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/small_business_ads/1371132-5-Will-Writing-Service-Recommended-by-Mumsnetters
in fact I lied, its only 85 pounds for a single will, bargain!

Many thanks - will have a look at this.

Actually, re-reading your post, if BIL is not a beneficiary is he an executor? Is there another executor? If not, then presumably he would need to appoint a new executor(s)
Not sure it would make any difference that your SIL's name has changed, there will be documentary evidence of this in the form of her marriage certificate.

Hi OP, if the BIL was an executor, which presumably he was from your post, then your FIL will probably need to appoint a new executor now, unless he originally appointed a default. You need two executors if there are likely to be any minor beneficiaries (eg grandchildren), as a trust will automatically arise, for which you need two trustees. Normally the two executors will also act as the trustees.

As MOS very kindly pointed out, I run a will writing business, feel free to PM me or mail me via the advert over on Small Businesses.

MOS

Many thanks for your advice. The BIL was an executor along with my SIL and my FIL's SIL ie my DH's Aunt so there was 3 executors now 2. There are a couple of small items like SIL name, one address that are incorrect. I may suggest they go and get it amended as they seem to be worrying about.

Thanks mumblechum may get in touch re my will have just been discussing this with DH that we should have one too.

Thanks againn.