Who has a will?

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:21 pm

Was it easy to make or did you find it complicated or stressful?

We are thinking of making one :-3

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:27 pm

i think it's important for everyone, and especially for people with property and/or children. it's probably more complicated the more you have to distribute, but it's best to have a will that's legal in your jurisdiction so as not to die intestate & so you have confidence your wishes will be clear and indisputable.

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:29 pm

Well we dont have a lot LC but we do have property & children.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:30 pm

Yes, I am leaving the guitars to clancy, the car to snooze, my albums to Pinky, my chemistry books to Hamster, the rest of the books to Lulu, the electric piano to CG, the ipod to ladycop, and my time travel device to arnold.

Everything else, is my sisters.

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:32 pm

Galbally;498314 wrote: Yes, I am leaving the guitars to clancy, the car to snooze, my albums to Pinky, my chemistry books to Hamster, the rest of the books to Lulu, the electric piano to CG, the ipod to ladycop, and my time travel device to arnold.

Everything else, is my sisters.

can i have Frodo?

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:33 pm

thanks Galbally! ....er....uh, will that be anytime soon?

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:34 pm

buttercup;498316 wrote: can i have Frodo?

Oh dear, thats a big ask, let me think about it.

OK, just walks every day, lots of attention, and no chocolate.

Oh and you can have Frodo as well.

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:35 pm

I had a very complex will including a load of un-neccesary stuff. Too many what ifs and power of attorney if I was in a serious accident etc.

When I got divorced, a simple 50/50 for my kids seemed to be adequate. And no... it's not tempting fate...do it

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:35 pm

lady cop;498318 wrote: thanks Galbally! ....er....uh, will that be anytime soon?

Jeez, LC, I'm trying my best. Hopefully I will be brown bread before the warrenty is up anyway. :wah:

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:41 pm

DO spend the money on a lawyer so you know it's correct by your laws...an aside, in the states one cannot disinherit a spouse, but may disinherit children.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:42 pm

lady cop;498334 wrote: DO spend the money on a lawyer so you know it's correct by your laws...an aside, in the states one cannot disinherit a spouse, but may disinherit children.

Really? That sounds a bit wrong, how did they work that one out?

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:46 pm

Galbally;498336 wrote: Really? That sounds a bit wrong, how did they work that one out?marriage is a legal contract. once it's broken by divorce then it's non-binding. it's against public policy to leave a legal spouse homeless or penniless. however, you only have a duty to your kids until they reach their majority. ...please note, this applies to the states i am aware of. i haven't studied estate law, just know from my own drawing of documents personally.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:50 pm

lady cop;498342 wrote: marriage is a legal contract. once it's broken by divorce then it's non-binding. it's against public policy to leave a legal spouse homeless or penniless. however, you only have a duty to your kids until they reach their majority. ...please note, this applies to the states i am aware of. i haven't studied estate law, just know from my own drawing of documents personally.

Yes, that makes sense now that you put it like that. These are the reasons I am glad I studied science and not law, I think I would have made a bad lawyer. For example, I would much prefer if all such matters were decided in trial by combat, but perhaps thats just me.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:51 pm

We have alot of things / property and travel alot - we're always together and no children - if anything were to happen to both of us, majority goes to my nephew. Appointing a executor, I chose two. Having been screwed out of several inheritance - I want to secure the distribution of items etc..

Having been screwed - we made our will.

Patsy

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:54 pm

Ah, I still have procrastinated in making mine, but am going to write one out while home this week. Guardianship of my husband was my concern, and I have decided on a panel of three to make that decision. I just know he will not go to his parents and will stipulate it so.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:54 pm

Mines in the process of being drawn up, no property, just the children and being sure that if anything happened to me that my family will still be involved in the childrens lives. It's difficult when you have a child with difficulties and the ex and his family won't accept there is a problem.

Erinna1112 · Post by **Erinna1112** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:03 pm

Yep, got one. I'm of the opinion that anyone who has any property at all needs to have one. After all, we don't like to think of it but you never know that something's not going to happen to you (and gods, is THAT ever a euphamism!). I agree with LC, also, about the need for an attorney. I, however, got mine from uslegalforms.com. These are current, state-specific documents, and the form for the Michigan one was fine. I took it, all filled out, to the lawyer and he reviewed it and saw that it was properly executed. Great site.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:08 pm

chonsigirl;498357 wrote: Ah, I still have procrastinated in making mine, but am going to write one out while home this week. Guardianship of my husband was my concern, and I have decided on a panel of three to make that decision. I just know he will not go to his parents and will stipulate it so.

Can I have your piano?

Pleassseeeeeeee???????? :sneaky:

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:10 pm

i meant to mention also, that prenuptual agreements are a different ballgame, but they can be overturned in court.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:14 pm

lady cop;498383 wrote: i meant to mention also, that prenuptual agreements are a different ballgame, but they can be overturned in court.

You really should have sat down with Paul McCartney before he married whatshername you know. We only got actual divorce 9 years ago in Ireland, (we are Catholics people) I am not sure where we are with the pre-nups yet. As for my own attitude to marraige, I am a bit like Groucho Marks, I am not sure if I would want to join a club that would have me as a member in the first place (if you know what I mean), well I suppose if she passes the "not insane" test then its ok.

Imladris · Post by **Imladris** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:50 am

Yes, soon as we got married but we did have to think of a business and three children (two of them my stepchildren). For us it was to make sure the children stayed together and that the business was sold and trustees appointed to look after the money for the kids.

If you have property or children or dependants it's vital and can be realtively pain free - just make sure you get good advice and there are inheritance tax issues to consider too

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:54 am

buttercup;498306 wrote: Was it easy to make or did you find it complicated or stressful?

We are thinking of making one :-3
I got one done the second I found out I was pregnant. I keep it updated and made Bullet do one a few years back.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:05 pm

YOUR BOOKS? THANKS, 'BallyBob! xoxoxoxo

Without going into a lot of detail, I've seen what can happen if a will isn't carefully written.

BE SURE to include a statement that automatically disinherits anyone who contests the will....I can't tell you how important that can be!

Families you think are loving and close can become contentious and bitter after a death and you might THINK yours is one of the former...but you mustn't ever leave a single item unaccounted for or "iffy."

Four years ago I was in what would have been the worst situation of my life, had a carefully-written will not been in place! Knowing I'd never do that to my daughter is worth any small discomfort which might result from thinking of my own death.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:06 pm

i am like br. got a will and made my ex do it as well. as soon as we had kids.....just recently updated it....

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:11 pm

Yes. And I think it's something important to do.

Galbers - You didn't list it, but GEESCH, a Chroi, you always promised me your off shore bank acccounts?!!!!!! And the set of uillean pipes in your attic!!!

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:26 pm

What fun! I looked up the uileann pipes on google and now I want to HEAR them!

Galbally, is there no limit to what you'll do to attract women?

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:29 pm

I have one....even though we are far from wealthy or have alot to share. Mine was more to be sure that what possesions I have of sentimental value, get devided equitably. I have no children, but have one niece who will think she deserves all of what i do have. She will not like the fact I am giving a sentimental piece of my mom's gold jewelry to another niece..who was born after my mom died. Just want to be sure Nicole has something from the grandma she never knew, without having to fight for it.

In case you are curious about why I am doing this, my mom willed some of her jewelry to the older niece..who, not long after claimed it had been stolen. Funny, it happened at a time she was going through an addiction.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:30 pm

I'm sorry...that's sad.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:39 pm

AussiePam;498941 wrote: Yes. And I think it's something important to do.

Galbers - You didn't list it, but GEESCH, a Chroi, you always promised me your off shore bank acccounts?!!!!!! And the set of uillean pipes in your attic!!!

Sin a Bhuil!

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:40 pm

Lulu2;498958 wrote: What fun! I looked up the uileann pipes on google and now I want to HEAR them!

Galbally, is there no limit to what you'll do to attract women?

She made me do it! No uillean pipes are amazing, a bit like bagpipes, but much sweeter tone and more pleasant on the ear. Quite spine-tingling to hear them in real life, they can be haunting when played right. :guitarist

I do my best not to lead the women on, you know me, I am a complete innocent. :rolleyes:

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:47 pm

buttercup;498312 wrote: Well we dont have a lot LC but we do have property & children.

Wills are for property. You cant just divy up the kids like theyre lawn furniture. :rolleyes:

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:59 pm

I had one written up while I was separated from Husband, divorce took 2 years to be finalized. So, wanted to make sure the kids were taken care of. I have property with my home and very few valuable posessions. My main concern were the children and that they go to my parents and not their father or the state in the event something happens to me!

I'm very thankful I did it, and if I wasn't working for an Attorney at the time, probably wouldn't have taken the time. But IT is very important and you will feel really good once you do it...Be aware if you go to an Attorney there will be up to 4 witnesses present and they may not explain that to you, we had people that were very leary of us seeing their wills for some reason....but they just need to sign the paper, not read the documents.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:14 pm

buttercup;498306 wrote: Was it easy to make or did you find it complicated or stressful?

We are thinking of making one :-3

It was easy but cost me £117.50 for a very straight forward will.

I think it is important so that everyone knows your wishes.

Decide what you want before you see a solicitor, then get them to draw it up in their usual 'legalistic spiel'.

YOu can do your own, but I think you would need to get it checked out by a solicitor because of the wording. You can get them done cheaper on the internet, but I was a bit wary.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:38 pm

Wills do deal with property, of course. I don't know the law with regard to intestacy in America. But in Australia, it is a good idea to have a legal will. Not hard to arrange. This can be a protection for your children, and can speed up probate. For instance if you have two kids and one of them dies before you, but leaves children of his/her own, would you wish part of your estate to go to your grandchildren? If you don't specify that in a will, it probably wouldn't. That is just one example. Wills are also places where you can leave legal instructions regarding guardianship of minor children.

Galbers - I love uillean pipes. Jam on my flute with a piper here at ceilidhs. It's great fun as the pipes use the old scale of course. Grin. So we have our little discords. Just makes things more interesting.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:41 pm

And just another reason why the two of YOU are more interesting! :-4

Rain · Post by **Rain** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:54 pm

I have one. And thanx for mentioning this. I need to update it.

And, you may want to provide for your family animals. Don't laugh. I've seen old animals in the pound and it's VERY sad. They don't know what's happened to their world. Where is their master? Where are the familiar surroundings? A familiar voice and pat on the head? Ask a friend or family member if they will adopt the pet in case of your death and put it in writing. The pet will be familiar with the person and that's helpful.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 8:16 pm

Rain, the point about animals is excellent! Thanks!

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:07 am

The will - is to detemine ones wishes to distribute property, usually a executor is appointed.

That executor does not have to follow that document (will).

Make sure the will is filed in several places, and there are several copies - such as - attorneys office - a couple of family members - a friend. Don't just get a will and put it in a safety deposit box.

BY Appointing a executor - that person has access to all - to accounts - safety deposit box - house hold - vehicles.

When there is a death there also comes the greed - this greed will seperate families. To fight a greedy executor takes thousands $$$.

Solutions to the greed - several copies of the will, at different locations - and appoint more than one executor.

If you were promised your mothers charm bracelet - and the executor can't find it - the executor does not have to produce it. Fair warning to all who think their butt is covered - its not..

Patsy

Rain · Post by **Rain** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:20 pm

The Vultures come out along with their nasty long sharp claws. Sickening. It's so important we are specific in our wills and with no loopholes!

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:25 pm

Rain;500355 wrote: The Vultures come out along with their nasty long sharp claws. Sickening. It's so important we are specific in our wills and with no loopholes!

Its probably not a bad idea to tell your family what you've done beforehand. Talk through it.

Rain · Post by **Rain** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:26 pm

Absolutely.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:26 pm

Rain

Its not the details in the will... The will / copies have to be in several areas - with friends/ and other family members , don't have just ONE copy somewhere - other wise you will be screwed.. Details will be ignored by the executor of the estate..

Patsy

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:29 pm

This holds true if you have a living will too. if you dont want to be put on extended life saving equipment when you have slim to no chance of a reasonable quality of life again, then make darn sure your immediate family understands this and agree to abide by your wishes. even with the living will, if the present family members are not in agreement with it, then the md will make the choice to please the masses.....why you ask?

the living can sue...........

i have seen this happen time and again......

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:29 pm

another thing aside from my other comments...your last wishes for disposal of your remains do NOT belong in your will. you'll be buried or whatever before the will is probated. that is a separate item for your families to have on hand.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:33 pm

I was reading about Billy Graham, hes getting old

the two brothers are fighting about where he should be married

one bro wants him buried in a new BG library with a talking cow

the other wants him buried next to mom

No one is safe :rolleyes:

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:25 pm

A talking cow? What would he and BG talk about?