Wills

[Northumbrian]

If someone is bequeathed "all my worldly goods", what does this mean in modern legal terms. I assume it is now far removed from the old marriage vows and must now have some defined boudaries.

[Peter Pedant]

it means everything for chrissakes

things like - my place in Heaven (not really a worldly good to me I have to say) -are not devisable by will

shares ? yes
Computers yes
interests in soft ware and computer programmes ? yes

yes really everything they could put their hot little hands on and sell.[erm so long as it was theirs to sell]

what about his wife ? no you can't sell a wife.
or those awful little knick knacks on the mantle piece - yes them definitely.

I mean what have you in mind that would be excluded ?

[Peter Pedant]

oh, OK he can't leave you anything that isnt his.

So if it is a half share in the house, then it is a half share in the house.

and if he mentions a house he sold ten years ago, then obviously you dont get that.

and if he says the whole house No 21,
and miss x can convincingly show that she has a 50% interest in no 21 then obviously you have a fight on your hands.

oh, and if you get everything in a will and miss X waves a marriage certificate at you (with him!) which occurred after the will was signed then you are in big big trouble........