A tip when writing your will

Following on from Val's comment, it might sound like an obvious statement but let your executor/family know where your will and/or Power of Attorney is being kept, i.e. in the safe/strongbox under the bed/with the solicitor.  If it's in the safe - do they know where to find the key? 

We had a solicitor who specialises in Will writing, to draw up our wills and she recommended two Executors.  Incidentally, does anyone know if we need to re-write our wills as we have moved since the originals were written?

No you don't need to re-do your Wills.  However, you will need to change your address that's in your Will.  I think this will be done as a codicil

Thanks tombar!

My Dad told me where all his paperwork was about two weeks before he died. This included a copy of his will, which was in an envelope with the name and address of the solicitor where the original was stored.

Trouble is, when I went to collect it, they explained that Dad had asked for it to be transferred to another firm of solicitors 20 years ago (he must have forgotton).

That firm had been taken over by another firm.

The new firm had gone bust and their business transferred to yet another firm.

When I finally tracked them down, they required a letter from my brother (the other executor) to say that he was happy for me to go on my own to collect it.

What a performance! Think ahead when doing your will!

My advice when your writing your wills , leave it all to me 

I'll try to remember that, Ruby......

If you would like to give me your account details and pin number I will write you into my will now.!

my advice would be to make sure you keep info upto date.

my dad had a complicated life which my brother and I were able to sort out relatively easily because he left clear details (particularly Important as we had a stepmother to consider)

mrs Steve

My initial comment regarding wills/estates is try to keep your wishes simple - eg "I give £xx to my dear friend(s)...; the remainder of my estate to be divided equally between xxxxx".   I was an executor, with my sister, for my mother's estate; she passed away a couple of years ago.. My sister was unwell (sadly, she too passed away a few months later) so she agreed that I would undertake the duties on my own.  There is provision in law for some of the named executors to either totally opt out of or to let another named executor do the work keeping them informed - this is on the Probate Form you have to fill in..  I found both the Inheritance and Probate departments very helpful and answered any questions I had in a sympathetic manner. I was able to complete the task without much trouble.  The advice I would give is this:  firstly, get your will written professionally and then review/update it as necessary; next, keep it in the family, so if possible, have 'family' executors ( saves the large fee charged by professionals!); ensure that your executors know where your will is and keep your financial affairs tidy!  There are some excellent guides available which take you through executor duties step by step. Finally; do not be afraid to discuss this with your family, tell them where the orignal and copies of your will are and where your paper work is!  This may sound morbid but if handled appropriately it will make the duty easier when the inevitable happens.