Single parent will arrangements

[williorwonti]

Please excuse my ignorance about such things, but as a single person with one now adult DC, do I still need to make a will, or would everything automatically go to my son?

I have a mortgage and life insurance, but I assume I have to appoint someone to handle such things if I die?

DC is only 18, so wouldn't want to put that on him for another few years.

I also have a death in service benefit though my employer, and my son is named as beneficiary. Would that be included in my will?

Obviously I will look at finding a solicitor to do this, but any advice is appreciated.

Also, what's a ballpark figure for the legal process?

Thanks!

Firstly, are you in England or Wales - rules may be different in Scotland or NI

You say you're single. So never married/civilly partnered or you're legally divorced?

Under intestacy (ie no will) then I'd expect everything to to go to DC. This helps with permutations:

https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will

It is though neater and easier for all concerned to make a will. My parents had a hell of a game sorting out the after effects of her brother's premature death intestate leaving an estate that, by some margin, exceeded what his wife could have under intestacy.

A will need not be difficult or complicated and the process makes you think about permutations of events. DC could die before you do, with or without children for just one example.

Might you have friends or relatives to whom you could leave a pecuniary legacy - maybe just a few tens or hundreds of pounds. Similarly are there any charitable causes; my Mum left a £k or so to the RNLI.

It also means you can appoint and executor to carry out your wishes and do all the admin. DC might be the obvious choice but it they're still young or might need help you can add another person or a professional.

As to cost I was quoted quite a lot - upper hundreds - but that was a London firm I knew professionally and might have been for mirror wills with my DP.

You can DIY - forms are available from high st stationers or purveyors of legal paperwork like Oyez.

Throughout the year there seem to be charities who have a 'Will Week' or similar. They'll pay for a legal help in the hope you leave them a modest slice.

Hope this helps.

I had a look on money saving expert and they had some recommendations, at the time the Co-op legal service had a special on and it was £200.

Missed the question about death in service benefit.

Difficult to answer with certainty because of differing schemes etc but if there's a nomination I'd expect them to get the money irrespective of a will. It would only fall into your estate, and thus the will, without a nomination.

Part of the intention of a nomination is that, subject to proving ID etc, the nominee has the money quickly.

Thanks for these replies, and sorry for delay in coming back.

I will definitely get cracking on sorting this out.

As you say @Bromptotoo it just makes sense and will be easier for those left behind.

Thanks again.