wills

[silly moo]

I'm assuming this will be the bast place to post this.
My elderly neighbour, who has no living relatives, has made a will leaving everything to the family of his late companion.
If he ever has to go into a nursing home he intends to give away some of his possessions. He has decided that he still wants certain aople to have these items if he dies suddenly and does not want the expense of changing his will - the solicitor charged him �50 just for 15 minutes of her time to give some simple advice.
He has asked me to type up a list of what is to be given to who BEFORE the solicitor sells everything.
Does anybody know how I should phrase things. The list is quite simple, just the beginning of the 'letter' / 'document' please.
He intends signing this and having 3 copies; 1 with me, 1 with his copy of hos will and the 3rd sent to the solicitor to put in with her copy of the will.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thank you

[ursula62]

You'd start it off along the following lines

"I, [name} of {address} declare this to be the [first/second etc] Codicil to my Will dated [date of Will]

In addition to the legacies given in my said Will, I give [the sum of /  the item ...] to [insert beneficiary's name and address]

In all other respects I confirm my said Will."

The Codicl needs to be finished off with a signature clause similar to the original Will, and should be witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries of the Will or the Codicil.

I'd still recommend seeing a solicitor once you've drafted the document. You may be able to see one at the CAB for free.

You could also try googling for a sample Codicil form, or check in the legal textbooks in your public library.

[mufcnumber18]

Here we go again...

Don't ever try to do your own Wills, or codicils to Wills. If you get them wrong then the Will could be invalid and your wishes (which after all is what a Will is) may not get carried out. The people you wanted to have that treasured memento may never receive it.

Do you really believe that �50 for someone to do your Will properly is a lot? Think of the huge cost to the estate if you died without a valid Will whilst someone has to sort it all out; �50 will pale into insignificance.

I can get someone to service my car for �10, but if I get it done properly by the garage it will be �75. I choose the properly trained professional everyday.

Sometimes it is actually true, you get what you pay for.

[erimus1]

Have to concur with mufcnumber18 i'm afraid - I have an undergraduate in law and a masters in international criminal law, so I know a thing or two about the leagal system - policy and procedure is a completely different thing though - I'd see a solicitor.
Good luck.