Anyone out there know about WILLS?

[MrsWicket]

Finally getting round to making one in a couple of weeks but:

Can myy DH be the executor of my will?
and
What's a mirror will?

Thanks MW

Hi there, I'm a will writer ([email protected] if you want further info).

Yes, your dh can be an executor. Most married couples appoint one another as executors, but two others in default, so that on the first death, the surviving spouse acts as sole executors, then on the second death, the default execs act. There should be two default execs in case a trust arises, which would be the case if any of the beneficiaries are under 18.

Mirror Wills are virtually identical, although there can be some differences. Essentially, mirror wills are Husband appointing Wife as executor and beneficiary (then going on to say how the estate is to be distributed if she's died first), and the other Will will just be the other way round, so Wife appointing Husband etc.

I'm a high street lawyer with over 20 years experience but set up Marlow Wills earlier this year as a freelance will writing service. Because my overheads are tiny compared to a high street practice, my charges are only about half (usually around £75-80 for a single, £130-£140 for mirror wills).

Feel free to PM or email me for more info.

Mumblechum just did mine and it's very good (and she's lovely too!) Go with her!

Thanks Queenie! (she's v lovely too)

Thanks mumblechum (and her madg!). I'm trying to talk the DH into getting one done too ? he thinks it's too morbid etc but now we've got DD's I feel it's needed iyswim. Can I ask another question re assets. We're don't have any savings just a house (mortage paid off in 5 years time) ? that's an asset isn't it? I have a few bit of jewellery I'd like to leave my DDs and that's it (unless I'm lucky enough to win the lottery of course!). It is worth getting one done isn't it?

Yes, you should certainly do a Will even if only to appoint Guardians. So far as the house is concerned, presumably there's a decreasing term life policy on the mortgage, so it would be paid off on either of your deaths anyway?

Your Will covers all assets, inc. the house, savings, policies, etc. Your dh wouldn't automatically inherit all of your estate if you have no will, (subject to the value of your estate), so again, a Will would be the sensible thing to do.

November is Will Aid month see link below

www.willaid.org.uk/

I need to do this too. Where are you based mumblechum?

I'm based in Marlow but cover all of England and Wales (most of my business is conducted by tele conference initially, then email once the Will is drafted).

So far as bit of jewellery etc are concerned, it's a good idea to have a letter of wishes mentioned in the Will. The letter of wishes stays with the Will and specifies who should get various personal items. The reason it's a separate document is to save having to keep changing the will if you change your mind, or dispose of those items.