What do you do about wills?

[Listmaker]

Was just wondering what you step-mums have done about wills etc? I am about to get together properly (i.e. move in together and eventually marry I hope) with my bf and we both have kids already.

What should I do in my will? I am thinking to save hassle that I should just leave everything to him and trust him to sort things out from there should I snuff it! But is that wise? I mean he could marry again and everything would go to her or not make a will again and everything go to his dds and mine would totally miss out. I do trust him totally to do the right thing but wondered what you thought/did?

I think if we have a house in joint names it goes to the other person anyway so he'd have the house and probably my dds would stay with him too as their real father has nothing to do with them and my parents are too old so he would need my money to help look after them.

I hope he'll trust me the same way although other than the house he wouldn't have as much as me to leave perhaps. Maybe if I didn't have his girls if he died then the money/life insurance should go to them as they would then have their mum to look after them.

Sorry just thinking aloud really. Any experience anyone??

The business about blood relatives automatically receiving part of the estate only applies if the deceased has not left an appropriate will. There are rules as to what happens to a person's estate if they die intestate. So, if you don't want your extended family to inherit, you must make a will stating where you do want it to go.

SadSam - spoken to DH (apologies as he( and I) have had lots of wine tonight!) and he says you both really do bneed to make wills asap. Best way to ensire things happen the way you want. Have a look at DH's article, via MN's homepage, Here for more info on making wills. Please use a specialist solicitor too, not a DIY will, not a will wiritng firm, but a proper specialised wills & probate lawyer.

Thank you so much Hulababy, you have been a fab help!