Will Writing

[foxyferret]

I have a will made some 8 years ago but now I want to make quite a lot of changes so a new will. My old one was drawn up by a solicitor but I am thinking of doing it myself as all the basic wording I can copy from the old will. Two questions really. Are these DIY will packs any good?. Q2. Can you just type out a will on ordinary paper, get it witnessed etc, and will it be valid if you have followed all the correct procedures? Someone told me it HAD to be on solicitors paper.

[joggerjayne]

Q1. No

Q2. yes

Q3. Yes

Q4. No they don't.

[joggerjayne]

"Someone told me it HAD to be on solicitors paper"

Not a solicitor, by any chance? LOL

[237SJ]

I`ve used the Lawpack ones from Staples. They seem to be perfectly adequate providing the will is straightforward. I wouldn`t use it if there were complications such as property abroad, money in trust etc. The correct paper is in the kit with suggestions for suitable wording as well.

[I.Don No]

I used a precedent document found at the library and typed it out myself on ORDINARY paper and had it witnessed.

You should always remember that the witnesses to your signature should both be there when you sign the will, neither can be a beneficiary of your will and neither of them has to see the will, only witness you signing it.

[I.Don No]

ooops

just to add to the above I also did my mother in law's will and found no complications when using it after her death.

[foxyferret]

thanks joggerjayne, no, none of my friends rich enough to be a solicitor and even if they were, I would immediately think they were lying!! You did make me smile. I will check out Staples 237SJ as my will is very simple and straight forward. Thanks I.Don.No, didn't know about the library bit but knew about witnessess both being there and not able to be beneficiary. You have all helped a lot.

[Buenchico]

Hi Foxy:

Please read my posts here:
http://www.theanswerb...l/Question991294.html
I STRONGLY recommend getting hold of the book that I mentioned. (It should be in your local library). Even a simple will should address all of the relevant 'What if . ..?" questions.

Chris

[foxyferret]

Thanks Buenchico, I will hot foot to the library or buy a copy if I have to. As I said my will is very simple and I think I covered all situations on the old one I did with the solicitor. I will check with this book to make sure I have everything correct.