Will Writing Recommendations

Hi there! 

I am about to have a baby (week 39, whoohoo!), and I am trying to figure out the best way to put a will together so everything goes to my son in the most tax efficient way.  That said, I work for a charity, so its not like I have tons of money and could use some ideas of who to approach/how to write a will that doesn't cost a fortune?

Anyone hae any ideas or recommendations?

Thanks!

DD

Congrtulations and good luck with the baby. I have no advice to offeexcept that I believe UK wills are not legally binding in the US so if you have any assets in the US you'll need to make sure your will is filed in the US. I don't know anything about that either, but my husband has decided that we need wills so I'm sure I'll be asking similar questions in the future 

Since hubby and I are both Americans and we do not intend to seek British citizenship at any point, we drafted American wills before we left the States.  Noirem is correct that UK wills are not legally binding in the US and if you died a resident of the States without (what your state considered) a valid will, your estate would be considered intestate.  You should draft your wills where you are a legal resident.  Consult a lawyer if you are not sure where you would be considered a legal resident. 

Congrats on the baby!  I'm 36 weeks along with our second baby and I'm ready to give birth now! 

Thanks for the replies!


Its supposedly very complicated and expensive.   I have spent most of my life overseas and have just a a tiny amount in a bank account in the US.  My primary assets are all UK taxed and evidently there is no double taxation agreement on inherentance .... so being taxed in both countries could be huge (not counting legal and administration fees).

I am so keen to sort this out asap, but I just don't see how if a lawyerr will charge several thousand to do it. 

Alas, it is one more reason why I am starting to think maybe I cannot afford to be an American (funny huh) which is really depressing.

Thanks for the replies!


Its supposedly very complicated and expensive.   I have spent most of my life overseas and have just a a tiny amount in a bank account in the US.  My primary assets are all UK taxed and evidently there is no double taxation agreement on inherentance .... so being taxed in both countries could be huge (not counting legal and administration fees).

I am so keen to sort this out asap, but I just don't see how if a lawyerr will charge several thousand to do it. 

Alas, it is one more reason why I am starting to think maybe I cannot afford to be an American (funny huh) which is really depressing.

I'm sending you a PM!

Looks like I found someone.  Another lawyer recommended me to a guy named Ian Watson. Seems he is on the NY bar and is also a UK barrister and so far he has given me some really quick and sound advice and I feel a lot less stressed about creating a will that ensures my son is well take care of.

So if anyone else is looking - he can be contacted on his email (and via phone on this company's website).

iwatson@3sb.law.co.uk

Hope that helps others!

Stefanie