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« on: November 02, 2015, 10:49:51 am »
I would write all the things down for when you see the lawyer so you don't miss any. I know that a house held in common with anyone is not taxed. If you are separated your will that you have now is not valid (if you are living separate and apart). The laws have had some changes recently things like filing income tax etc. There are rules around rsp and such if you have a designet for the rsp it will be treated different than if you do. You can write a will out by hand and have it be legal but it must be in your own hand nothing written on the computer will work unless it is witnessed. But be aware these wills are the most contested and found wanting so not followed. So going to a lawyer is the best way forward if you have any concerns that someone will cause problems then a lawyer will be the best one to deal with those things. I have seen first hand what can happen when a will isn't properly done and what can happen when people don't bother doing one just assuming people will do the right thing. Death brings out the worst in some. And even when there is a will if the estate isn't big enough the cost of a lawyer which the person who is contesting it has to pay for now can be too high. I know there are estates that are still in the courts for 10 years because the person left in charge can't handle it but courts are normally not willing to go against your wishes. They have also changed for taxing purposes regarding things like jewelry if it is valued over a certain amount. If you also give things that have been in the family for years I would make a note of it somewhere so that one person doesn't get the you took it. I would also remember your husband won't win everything he has to split it with you. Just listen to your lawyer and you need one don't sign anything he gives you without a lawyer seeing it. Sometimes people think that if they can get someone to sign it before a lawyer sees it they can rely on it they can't and you really don't know if he has seen one. After all these years it isn't his and yours so he can't claim his assets are his beause they are in his name and wanting things like the dishes are ment to hurt you because he knows it will try not to let him do that to you.