Mumsnetters share with Cancer Research UK the life admin that they never get around to doing, including updating or writing their Will

[LucyBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed. Thank you to everyone who posted on this thread.

Often when we have children, it feels impossible to find the time to do anything that isn’t absolutely crucial…and before you know it, there are things on your to-do-list which have been on there for well over a year or decade. Those little jobs around the house, buying a gift for your OH, clearing out the wardrobe or – one you might not have thought of – sorting out your Will. With this in mind, Cancer Research UK would like to hear about the things you struggle to get around to doing.

Here’s what Cancer Research UK has to say: “We know that updating your Will or writing one from scratch can be a daunting prospect, and one of those things that you might feel just isn’t a priority right now. However, we think writing a Will is far too important to ignore; if you don’t, not only could you leave your loved ones with distressing admin, but it also means the law would decide how your estate is distributed – and this might not be in line with your wishes. Cancer Research UK offer a Free Will Service open to anyone over the age of 18 which guides you through the process step by step, and you can have your Will written within 30 minutes, and tick that job off your list.”

What are the odd-ends you never seem to get around to doing? What are the things that stand in the way of you sorting these out? Where does writing or updating your Will feature on your to-do list (if at all!)? Do you think Cancer Research UK’s Free Will Service would help you?

All who share their thoughts and feelings on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where 3 lucky MNers will each win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck,
MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

*If you'd like to find out more about CRUK’s Free Will Service and legacy gifts please click here

[CathBookworm]

Me and my husband haven't yet written a will, though I intended to once I had my children. A relative died without making a will so I know how difficult it can make things. It is one of those things that pops into my head from time to time but I never quite get round to doing-this service might just prompt me to finally sort it out.

[womblelancs]

My will, made out ten years ago, leaves everything to my parents.
However, they are both elderly now and dad has dementia and no longer has mental capacity to make any financial decisions, so I should really amend it to leave include my partner of six years, but I never seem to get round to doing it.

[lewisb30]

One day I might get around to it but not today

[JoGibbons]

Writing a will, like a lot of other people I expect.

[1moreRep]

yes writing a will, more information and a way of doing it on line would help

[Ragwort]

Hazel that is very sad, but an important reminder of how essential it is to write a will.

We have just updated our's, we also had to think about what would happen if our own DC dies before us. These are all important things to prepare for.

[Leighhalfpennysthigh]

I'm childless so,don't have to worry about guardianship or anything and My will,has re,aimed the same for several years.

I do get very suspicious about a charity that manages to raise about £600 million a year being kind and generous enough to offer a free will service. I can't help,but wonder what their motives are.

I will never, ever leave money to any charity that attempts to bribe people into leaving them money through a scheme like this. Shame on you all.

[michael888]

As with the majority of people that I know, I've yet to write a will. No doubt, death will catch up with me before I've managed to catch up with this piece of necessary admin.

[mamof3boys]

I still haven't sorted out getting a will even though I promised myself that I would get it done when I moved over a year ago. I really do need to get it sorted.

[AudTheDeepMinded]

We have wills, But I suspect they need updating three children later. Never get round to it though.
Also never get round to sorting out the ever increasing number of digital photographs we are accumulating. I have grand plans to get some photobooks made up. One day...

[farhanac]

Have been meaning to write a will for years but keep pushing it back

[KittyKat88]

I have a will written but I need to update it regarding my children to make sure they are looked after should anything happen to me. That's my worst fear which is why it's so hard to put it down into words. I need to stop being a coward and just do it!

[angiehoggett]

Thinking about death and making wills, planning funerals it's something I think is such a good idea but on the other hand is something I really don't want to think about!

[marymanc]

I never get around filing the documents I don't need in the immediate future but still important to keep. I have a in and out trays on my desk, they are always full.

[LucyBMumsnet]

Thank you to everyone who took part in this sponsored discussion. The winners of the prize draw are @MissKittyFantastico84, @Wolfcub and @lemonjam - well done!

[SmileyShazza]

We have wills but they need updating as they were done a long time ago and a lot has happened since then. I keep nagging OH to get it sorted but it's an expense that at the moment we just haven't been able to cover as other things keep happening that need sorting out which keep taking all our money.

I know it is very important to have up to date wills and it is definitely something we need to organise but sometimes it's hard to find money for these things.

[Minnibix]

I still have not gotten around to writing a will. its not that I haven't time it just that I find it difficult so keep putting it off. I am not married but living with my partner, I also have a son from a previous marriage so its not straight forward. I think I need to ask for help

[phillie1]

POA, in case anything incapacitates one of us

[Wolfcub]

Thank you @lucybmumsnet I've responded to your email

[katieskatie82]

definitely i never get round to making a will. Its something that i tend to not want to think about. But i will make time to do so after reading this thread! x

[asparagusnextleft5]

We have never made wills. It's one of those things that you sort of give a fleeting thought to, but don't come back to. I think in order to get round to it, I'd have to set aside a day or time and book it in the diary "1pm, sit down and discuss wills"!!!
Too many things don't get done because I just vaguely think, I'll do that when I get round to it. For example, I had a letter in October about a smart meter upgrade, which has sat on my fridge ever since, and I only just remembered to call to make an appointment. I'm a terrible procrastinator! I think physically scheduling things in on a list is the only way I get things done!

[soozybee1]

It's scary that big business' aren't being held accountable

[soozybee1]

Paperwork!

[Ganne1]

We had to make a will as my family is in France, and our children needed to have their futures mapped in case of our passing on. My husband has few relatives in this country.

[angela121262]

I never get to clear out old bank statements, they go back years