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General Forum - Wills & probate question - Page 1
Elite
Morning all...
Thought I'd start the day with a legal question, might wake you all up a little.
My grandmother passed away over the weekend, and shortly before she died she made me executor of her will and her next of kin. She'd fallen out with the rest of the family, and I was the only one actually giving her any time or attention. Now it seems the rest of my family are gripped with fear that they may have burnt their bridges, and everything could be left to me - to the extent that my parents were calling me at gone midnight the day after she died asking if I knew what was in the will. I find it completely inconceivable, but I guess it's possible.
Anyway... my uncle has suggested today that we don't involve the solicitor in the will, and arrange it all ourselves, to save money. I've been reading up a little, and it doesn't seem too big a risk, just wondered if anyone had any experience with this stuff? What if anyone decides to contest it?
Elite
First of all, sorry to hear your news.
From experience, people are ****s. If someone is not happy with their share then they will kick up a stink, lie, twist words and turn people against each other.
If you are the executor you will be the bad guy. Can you live with being cast in that roll for doing what your Gran wanted?
If yes then fine. But greed turns people nasty. If a solicitor is there from the start you can keep out of it to a certain extent.
Doc.
"Compassion is another word for gay." Psycho Paul, 2010.
Elite
Totally agree with Dr on this one. Again sorry for your loss.
It's bizarre what family members will do to each other in this situation, and all in the name of greed - speaking from experience from a few years back.
If I was you I'd do the solicitor route - it's worth it in the end.
IN MADNESS YOU DWELL
This item was edited on Wednesday, 18th May 2011, 08:54
Elite Donator
Sorry for the loss miikey.
I'd go with the solicitor route as well. I've seen a couple of people try and do it themselves and it quickly evolved into slanging matches with family members.
Elite
First of all sorry for the loss.
I agree completely with what's been said so far.
It is easy enough to do. We did it for my nan and it was fine.
The only people involved though was my mum and her sister, both entitled to 50:50 per the will. Both of them only had 2 children and we are all quiet close nit due to the small nature of the family.
If there had been any doubt or any other cousins or anyone else involved and it wasn't as simple as 50:50 to the children (which would always be quite hard to contest) then we would have gone the solicitors route.
Is the estate big?
If not, it shouldn't cost too much at solicitors (for the hassle it will save).
If it's bigger, then although costs will increase, there's a lot more "risk" so defiantely the route to go anyway.
www.last.fm/user/1mills
Elite
Turns out it isn't an issue. She's left absolutely everything, all bar a couple of hundred quid, to charity!Unbef**kinglievable...
Elite
You still have to settle the estate though as executor, regardless of where you are sending the money.
www.last.fm/user/1mills
Elite
being an executor is bascially making sure that your relatives wishes are adheared to, even if you dont agreee with them.
Its a relatively easy process, I found the probate court staff very helpful.
Its a joke what certain legal firms charge to complete probate tbh for a fairly simple process.
I assume your not happy with the outcome of the will, you can always stand down as an excutor and let the charity become appointed.
Elite
I wouldn't say I'm unhappy... just my dear old grandad worked hard for that money over the years, and had always said it was for us 'kids' when they were gone - so a bit of a shocker!I'll stick with it for now though - cheers for the advice!
Elite
Now Mikey I am so sorry for your Nana passing. But in good humour I say this as a joke just email the relatives sayin Nana says no no thats all folks. Just kiddin. 
This item was edited on Wednesday, 18th May 2011, 19:12
