will kits ?

[TheCamel]

It turns out "will" is too short a search term so,

does anyone use the Will kits, any thoughts ? I guess, the sort of info and feedback I'm after, probably can't be provided by someone huh ?

But you know where i'm coming from.. have you, do you, would you, use one

Do you know someone who has used one, either still outstanding, or completed etc ?

 

[Raddles]

Hi there
have seen people use them and if they dont understand the terminology - problems arise e.g. describe the executor - she is 5 foot 2 has blonde hair etc
instead of giving a name, address, position
they don't understand the property they have to leave - different arrangements apply to trusts and they usually can't be dealt with properly in a will kit
often there will be an intestacy as to part of the estate because all the relevant questions have not been asked.
Particular problems arise if you have families from two marriages - and consideration has not been given to the first family. Often seeing a solicitor to draw up a will is a good idea because they raise these issues you may not foresee and which a will kit cannot really deal with. If there are any problems, you can also sue your solicitor - if you use a will kit - there is no fall back option.
thanks

 

[TheCamel]

yea but at the moment we're pretty stock standard, I want to leave all the property in my name to my wife and vice versa.. a few things to other people.. no other previous marriages, or kids to take into account or anything..

 

[Raddles]

Hi there
obviously it is your call - but as a legal costs consultant who often gets involved in the legal costs issues between competing parties to an estate - which incidentally cost heaps because it is usually a Supreme Court action to sort out - even simple situations can be a mine field. Why not ring around and get a quote for a will and a power of attorney which in the ACT deals with both financial and medical issues - your will could be prepared contemplating any future kids - so it will be cheaper to buy now before they turn up on the scene - get the benefit of testamentary trusts now for your wife/husband
thanks

 

[wylie]

I would spend a couple of hundred and do as Raddles suggests. I have seen first hand the cracks that a badly drawn "do it yourself" will by hubby's parents caused in hubby's family - ugly, ugly, ugly.

Your will sounds easy, I agree, but you should consider an Enduring Power of Attorney anyway, so why not do it all with someone who knows what they are doing?

Wylie

 

[Tizzy]

We've got a lawyer in the family and even he didn't offer to do our wills (which are not complicated). He insisted that kind of work needs to be done by his partner who specialises in that area of law.

Now I must get around to making that appointment