Wills - who can sign and other bits

[BabyOrSanta]

Planning on writing my will (hopefully before baby is here!) and just have a few questions if anyone could help?

Firstly, can witnesses be married (to each other) assuming neither of them will be beneficiaries?

Secondly, what can't be put into a will or can be contested easily?
I'm LC with my mother and don't want her having a say in my baby's upbringing - as far as I'm aware there's nothing she can do? Also, would she (as my current NOK) be able to claim anything from my very very small estate?

Are there any particular does and don'ts for an at-home-Will?

1. Yes
2. I think you'll have to give an example. Primarily it's about what to do with your assets, but can include a guardianship clause about the care of any minor children. There are things you can and cannot do about tying up assets, and beneficiaries. If you specify what you are minded to do perhaps someone might be able to pass comment. Otherwise the answer might read as long as an exercise book.

1. Yes.

1. Your mother could have a monetary claim if you maintained her during your lifetime, which I guess you don't.

If you name guardians of your children in your Will, those named individuals would make decisions wrt your children and your mother would not be involved. You could do a side letter to the guardians to explain your feelings re your mother (and this letter would be kept private and not publicised).

Thank you both so much!

I'm not so worried about "stuff" and my money etc. It's more about protecting my child and dogs from my mother. She's the sort of person who would find a tiny hole and exploit it to look good in front of her friends (rather than wanting to give my child the best life).

Thank you so much