I need to make a will

[s2sol]

As the title says, I need to make a will. I've seen a local solicitor, but I found him almost wilfully obtuse. I've led a life in the past which would have been appropriate for a few minutes on Jeremy Kyle, and consequently have children with more than one mother, and am now happily married to a lovely girl who has no children. Not mine, or anyone else's.

I was married to the mother of one of the children, and divorced with a clean break agreement several years ago. I was never married to the mother of my youngest son, and believe I'm not named as the father on the birth certificate.

I'm in early middle age and have no reason to believe I won't live for many more years. Another 10 years would comfortably see both children in their early 20's.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a solicitor in North Bristol/South Gloucestershire who can communicate better than the one I've already met, or one that can help me by email or telephone. Im fully aware that a few quid spent now could save a lot of money and heartache for my loved ones, and want to get it right for them.

[dalenorth]

I have a great solicitor that we use for all our clients. Pm me and I'll send you her details?

[Ozzie Osmond]

s2sol said:

As the title says, I need to make a will. I've seen a local solicitor, but I found him almost wilfully obtuse. I've led a life in the past which would have been appropriate for a few minutes on Jeremy Kyle, and consequently have children with more than one mother, and am now happily married to a lovely girl who has no children. Not mine, or anyone else's.

You appear to have a raft of people who may make claims against your estate irrespective of what you write in your will, and depending on age, circumstances etc their claims may succeed. It's conceivable you may be interpreting these problems as "wilfully obtuse".

"If you were supported by someone who has died and feel that the will fails to provide for you adequately, you can claim for weekly or monthly payments or lump sum under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. The act specifies four categories of claimants:
1.the surviving spouse
2.a cohabitee who lived with the deceased for at least two years
3.children; legitimate, illegitimate or adopted; and any other child, such as a stepchild, supported by the deceased and treated as her or his own
4.others supported by the deceased such as an elderly relative, or anyone receiving regular maintenance from the deceased."

[s2sol]

Ozzie Osmond said:

You appear to have a raft of people who may make claims against your estate irrespective of what you write in your will, and depending on age, circumstances etc their claims may succeed. It's conceivable you may be interpreting these problems as "wilfully obtuse".

I'm aware of the number of people with a potential claim against my estate. That's why I want someone to help me make an appropriate will. The solicitor that I saw didn't offer any helpful advice and, if anything, appeared daunted by the prospect.

[williaa68]

The society of trusts and estate practitioners is the professional body for specialists in this area. Stick Bristol in the search function and you will get a few results. Spend 15 mins on the phone explaining the problem to a couple of them and chose the one whom you think understands your needs the best. Ask for a quote and don't expect it to be cheap:

http://www.step.org/search/members/?f[0]=professio...

Alternatively, find a solicitor who does will aid. http://www.willaid.org.uk

If you can find a solicitor who is a STEP member who does will aid then you hit the jackpot - in the initial fact find he or she should identify that your needs are complex and adjust his template accordingly. They may ask for a bigger donation but still probably cheaper than paying full freight.

Good luck.

[Cheib]

I

Ozzie Osmond said:

s2sol said:

As the title says, I need to make a will. I've seen a local solicitor, but I found him almost wilfully obtuse. I've led a life in the past which would have been appropriate for a few minutes on Jeremy Kyle, and consequently have children with more than one mother, and am now happily married to a lovely girl who has no children. Not mine, or anyone else's.

You appear to have a raft of people who may make claims against your estate irrespective of what you write in your will, and depending on age, circumstances etc their claims may succeed. It's conceivable you may be interpreting these problems as "wilfully obtuse".

"If you were supported by someone who has died and feel that the will fails to provide for you adequately, you can claim for weekly or monthly payments or lump sum under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. The act specifies four categories of claimants:
1.the surviving spouse
2.a cohabitee who lived with the deceased for at least two years
3.children; legitimate, illegitimate or adopted; and any other child, such as a stepchild, supported by the deceased and treated as her or his own
4.others supported by the deceased such as an elderly relative, or anyone receiving regular maintenance from the deceased."

This man speaks the truth. My mother and father divorced when I was quite young, father died when I was in my mid 20's in the mid 90's left everything to me and my sister. My mother didn't but could have claimed against my father's estate, my sister and I actually lodged a deed of variation on my father's will so we could buy my Mum a house. She could easily have turned aggressor and done it herself.

OP you could be in a situation where you provide for your kids and their Mum's decide they want to be provided for too.

[RAFsmoggy]

Is it the same situation as regards your pension? If your ex wife remarry's then she has no claim on your pension, if she has not remarried she can claim some of the pension that was saved while you were married, regardless if you yourself have remarried.

So if the ex has remarried then surely she cannot have a claim on the will ?

[dalenorth]

I think a family income benefit policy written in trust for the benefit of the children until they reach 21 could solve some of the problems?

[Countdown]

Slightly O/T but just a suggestion.

http://www.willaid.org.uk/