Co-habiting advice needed

As some of you know, I've been with Carol for quite a few years now, living together.

Following the death of my mother, her estate will be shared by my sister and myself, she left a will.

I've had a few health problems (minor) which have made me sit up and think...... what happens to my estate if I pass away before Carol?

I know I could just leave a will but reluctant to line somebody else's pocket....

Any other options? ........ don't say marry her, we've both been there and NEVER again!:censored:

 

For the cost of writing a will I would go down that road.

When we wrote our will, a very simple one, we were able to reduce the amount of tax that we would have to pay (cant remember the details of how this worked but it gives the surviving partner a loan of half of our estate). Yes, there was a charge for this but in the long run we pass less back in taxes.

It also removes any ambiguity and makes it clear where the estate should go in the event of any 'hangers on' contesting the will.

 

A simple will costs around £150-£200 from a local solicitor, though perhaps more expensive in your area.

Would suggest its well worth getting one done via them, as diy or will writers could lead to even more problems and expense and you are not around to pick up the peices

If you look around you might be able to take advantage of the march free will month, its done by solicitors, basically they hope you will leave a donation in your will to the charities who support the scheme.
Free Wills Month - Your Will Helping Great Charities

Without marriage or the new domestic partnership, Carol would be left with nothing, as I understand things, as if she is not named in a will or if intestate , things would go to any of your relatives or if non, then the state .

 

Two things as a couple you should do, married or not, is make a will and a lasting power of attorney. The latter should be registered with the Office of the Public Gardian. That costs £110.

You can do all this on-line.

Presently, if you die your partner will get nothing. Also if you become incapacitated she won't be able to access your bank account unless it's in joint names.
We did all this last year, it was quite painless.

 

You definitely need to write a will. And if you are likely to be incapacitated in the future, a POA is also a good idea.

Speaking as someone who has seen the hassle, hurt and anger that can be caused in a family by someone who told their children their wishes but didn't sign the will, I strongly advise you to do it cos at the moment Carol has no right to anything at all.

 

On a slightly gloomy note you might want to consider who has a say and who doctors will speak to in the event of serious illness, especially if there are other relatives or children from previous relationships. I don't know if a POA will cover this eventuality.
A couple, I know, married when one developed cancer, just to allow information to flow more easily to their partner. Well that was they told people.

 

I have written my own Will. My parents did. Members of the family have done the same.
Essential that everybody has a Will in place.
Don’t delay. Do it today.
Will packs can be purchased, from the Post Office for example, for a few pounds.
It’s not hard to do ...just remember to leave clear instructions and follow the guidelines accompanying the packs
However, if in doubt a solicitor will do this for less than £200
Talking to family, doctor and close friends is important ......making your wishes and views clear helps consolidate anything written in your Will and potentially saves a lot of hassle.
Ditto with POA.....again I did this via an online application
Talking about death with close ones is never easy but it is important.....easier in practice than imagining the process

 

Morning all, a very interesting thread.

@Verdun, we haven't done ours yet but have thought about a diy one too. May I ask you where you keep your will, obviously it has to be in a place safe and known to certain others?
Thanks

 

Thanks @shiney , yes I know 'ordinary ' wills can be left with the solicitor that's what my parents have done

 

Yes, a will and powers of attorney are a must.

When I first read the title, I was going to reply "don't leave the seat up"!

 

That's why soft close toilet seats were invented, to prevent domestics

 

We are a "soft close house." It's a bit embarrassing when visiting friends, you use the toilet, then when you've finished, you let the seat go!