Making a will isn't morbid at all. Simply sensible.
My Dad died intestate (no will) and my Mum had an awful time sorting it out. He had one brother and her and 3 kids. It could hardly have been simpler and yet it took months to sort out - and she had a mortgage to pay.
I'm not sure how probate actually works - I'd check the site for unbisassed info. But I would seriously advise your Mum to write a simple will. If it is straightforward (a simple set of family relations) you can use the forms from WH Smiths - but maybe get a solicitor to glance over it.
I have one written on a USB stick but not printed and signed. I must do that, as it is inadmissible as it is. And I have (or they have) a decent amount coming if I die employed as my company has an excellent pension scheme.
Wills are a sensible thing and not morbid at all. We have recently had four deaths in the family within five weeks, it was hard but we got through it and part of that was because each person had already decided what they wanted to happen after their passing.
I made a will about seven years ago, and it's pretty straightforward.
It's worth mentioning that if anyone wants to bequeath particular items to individuals, it can be advisable to give them to the person BEFORE you die. If the person who has immediate access to the dead person's property when they die is not reliable, it can be very difficult to enforce them legally to hand over items they appropriate for themselves. This happened in my family back some years ago, and is also a problem covered in a best-selling novel published recently (The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes). Well worth reading, by the way.
My Dad died without a will...
Was divorced and had 2 children....
Still took well over 12 months to sort it all out as he (or rather his dependants) were awarded a death in service benefit from his employer which equated to 12 months wages...
Myself I have no will made but have made my daughter promise to have a party when I finally go with lively music and all bright colours...
Don't like mourning but much prefer to celebrate a life...
Not going to try and add much other than to say once you have gone it can be a minefield for those that have no idea how to handle such matters.
There is much to be decided if you have divorced or as in my case widowed with a possible potential new partner. What you may think will go to your children could well end up in the hands of a new partner if married or at least be part claimed by him/her if you had been together for any length of time.
I have just redone a will making my children trustees to safeguard the estate for them and not for my son's ex partner to have a pop at once she knows he has some money left to him.
Don't take any chances especially if there are any family tangles going on. See a financial adviser and leave your estate to who YOU want to not to who someone else thinks should have it.
Smooth1
PS. A lot or a little its still worth it going where you want it to.
Warning: Necropost!
Did anyone else hear the interview on Radio 2 today with these
Even the other people in the same business that called in to rubbish them ended up admitting that it was a good service to those that can access it geographically.
In essence the main way they save money is by offering a closed casket service only.
Oh and on the question of music. Nimrod by Edward Elgar on arrival, the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, All things bright and beautiful, and finally the Last Post.
:lol: :lol:
