Making a Will in UK

[Chelseafan]

I am looking to make a will in the UK where I currently reside (retirement a few years to go)

I am married to a Thai and have three step-children. We have a house & car in Thailand which I would assume would naturally default to them. Land is in wifes name.

Obviously I want to make sure they  financially secure in the event of my death. Has anyone any experience of using a UK solicitor to draft up a will for an overseas family and rough costs ?

Thanks

 

[Zaphod Priest]

Costs of a UK will using a solicitor vary enormously depending upon the solicitor concerned and the complexity of the estate.  A rough figure might be between GBP 500 and GBP 1,000.

 

As for your Thai estate, you would be intestate.  I believe that stepchildren are not on the list of statutory heirs.  Your wife (assuming you have a legal marriage, not a village or temple one) would inherit your Thai estate.  However, better to make a separate will covering your Thai assets to make things absolutely clear.

[Stocky]

As suggested above one Will for assets in the UK, second Will covering assets in Thailand, and make sure the wife makes a Thai Will too - saves any potential dramas with Thai family looking for a share

[Chelseafan]

12 hours ago, Zaphod Priest said:

Costs of a UK will using a solicitor vary enormously depending upon the solicitor concerned and the complexity of the estate.  A rough figure might be between GBP 500 and GBP 1,000.

 

As for your Thai estate, you would be intestate.  I believe that stepchildren are not on the list of statutory heirs.  Your wife (assuming you have a legal marriage, not a village or temple one) would inherit your Thai estate.  However, better to make a separate will covering your Thai assets to make things absolutely clear.

 

Thanks. My marriage was registered with the Embassy and local Amphur and I'm happy for her to keep the Thai assets.

Will speak to a solictor about ensuring she has income from my estate.

 

[hotandsticky]

13 hours ago, Zaphod Priest said:

 

 

As for your Thai estate, you would be intestate.  I believe that stepchildren are not on the list of statutory heirs.  Your wife (assuming you have a legal marriage, not a village or temple one) would inherit your Thai estate.  However, better to make a separate will covering your Thai assets to make things absolutely clear.

 

 

Not necessarily so, if he referenced any Thai assets in his name (Likely only a Thai bank account as other assets in the name of Mrs Chelsea Fan).

 

Personally, I prefer separate UK and Thai Wills but with negligible assets in Thailand that would be pointless. -Only required as a backup to protect money in a Thai bank if other post-death withdrawal plans are not in place.