Making a will - how to go about it?

Following on from a thread here by Sadie, I was just wondering about the making of a will.

How many have done it, and how do you go about it?

Do I have to go to a solicitor? And if so, what is the likely cost of getting one done for myself and one for my wife?

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You could try the above as a starting point.

mf

RMCF said:

Following on from a thread here by Sadie, I was just wondering about the making of a will.

How many have done it, and how do you go about it?

Do I have to go to a solicitor? And if so, what is the likely cost of getting one done for myself and one for my wife?

Click to expand...

We paid 100 each to our solicitor for wills.
We could have done it ourselves, but we got good legal advice on the options for what to do it you have children and the different types of trusts you can setup, What the trustees do in the event of your death etc.

It was pretty useful and we are happy that if we die before the kids are grown up that we are leaving a situation that is clear to all, and fair.

We made first will when children were very young and appointed guardians. That will was later updated.

It's a good idea to have a discussion in advance with OH and children (if they are adults) so that you have a fair idea of how you would wish your estate to be distributed after you pass on. Write down your ideas and make an appointment with your solicitor and ask the receptionist about fees. She may be able to give you a rough guide depending on whether it is straight forward or not.

He will then write them up according to your request and submit them to you for your approval.

Remember you can change a will at any time

Maybe I'm stating the obvious here, but making a will is so important not only when you have kids but if you have any property of any kind. And it's important to get good advice, my mother-in-law had a will but it was just a joke really, no detail etc.
My dad had a will & it was so straightforward to get it all sorted out - the last thing you're family need are any fall outs with each other at a very emotional time. We also changed our will when our kids became adults & this post has reminded me that we should update it again!

Wills are very important but people should consider the implications for a partner/spouse becoming mentally incapacitated due to accident / illness. A Power of Attorney deals with this http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/death/before-a-death/power_of_attorney .

Many credit unions have a deal with a local solicitor to do a basic will free for CU members.