Wills

[Monty27]

Sorry if this has been done to death (pun intended, no disrespect intended).
Can anyone let me have some advice about writing my own Will.
I collected the form today from a local solicitors' office. Scary stuff.
TIA

When I had mine drafted, the solicitor did all the questioning. Any children/spouse, and previous spouse, any step children, who do you want to leave it to, what if that person dies before you, any specific property to specific individuals, any charitable donations etc.
Cost about £400 and was a fixed price, not dependent on the solicitors time if you see what I mean. Most peoples wills are very straightforward.
You could look to see if there is a charity you support that does will writing. For example Google “cats protection league will writing”, you don’t even have to leave a donation but I think it would be churlish not to.
A well drafted will is sooooooo important!

The form the solicitor has given you may look daunting but actually helps you to think through what you really want to happen to your estate.

The most important thing about a will is the signing part. You have to sign in the presence of 2 witnesses who are themselves not beneficiaries - so work colleagues or neighbours usually. You all have to be in the room together. They then need to sign to show they saw you sign. If any of this doesn’t happen your will will not be valid abd your estate dividdd according to the rules of intestacy

As to the content, just think through who you want to be your beneficiary/ies. Think who should get their share if they die before you. Are there any specific items you want to go to particular people? Describe these well, no point saying “my Diamond ring” if you have 3. If your children are small who would you like to nominate to look after them if you die before they are adults?

Don’t.

Are you single, married, live with a DP?
Do you have children?
Do you own your house? Buy your self or with someone else?

Thanks everyone this is very enlightening.
@StageRage I'm single with 2 DC's in their 20s. All my assets will be split 50\50. Any personal items they don't want I'd like my siblings to be given the opportunity to take anything they might want maybe on some sort of agreement and maybe small cash amounts each after which friends could be given the same opportunity to have anything personal. Or is this a ridiculous idea that might bring resentment.
Would that throw any problems in the mix?
Or can it be simplified? I'm thinking of asking a particular sister to be executor.

@stagerage yes I own my home outright and have no debts (I've worked very hard to get to this position). I took early retirement from work on a workplace pension.

OK, well that seems pretty uncomplicated.

You need to think long term too. Should the worst happen and one of your Dc pre-decease you, most parents’ wills would leave that DC’s share to any children they might have.

Look; a well written will that takes care of your family is possibly as important as what you want to leave. Get a Will writing lawyer.

Marlow Wills is run by a MNer and a very reasonable cost.

It’s worth getting right.

Also, have you named your Dc as beneficiaries on your pension? It doesn’t count as part of your estate.

I retired early and they were always the beneficiaries while I was working.
I suppose I'd better look into what would happen now.
Thank you

As it's so simple you could do this yourself. The will form will walk you through how to get is properly signed and witnessed. Anything complicated like a trust will need to be done by a solicitor. Also look at inheritance tax. If you think you may be liable then takes steps now to minimise it.

If your kids are capable adults and they're the beneficiaries, I'd make them the executors - they will be the most motivated to get it done. This avoids the situation where your sister (say) has got stuff going on in her life and can't or won't get a wriggle on with probate while your grieving kids need the dish.
You can put her down as a fallback if the kids are deceased or otherwise unable to do it.