Will Reading? - Writers Forum

gohn67 · 06-12-2005, 01:01 AM

Does anyone know what happens at a Will reading?
I mean obviously they read the will.

But I need some specifics. Like what a will looks like. Like how would one write a will? Also who reads the will? And where is it read?

journyman161 · 06-12-2005, 01:16 AM

The only answer I can help with is the Executor read the will. (or designate)

waylander · 06-12-2005, 03:00 AM

Read in the Executor's or notary's office, not in a funny place, at least that's what happens when someone leaves a Will here, which may not be the case for everybody.
Also, there may be instructions left directly to the lawyer in charge which may specify which person(s) are entitled to be present at the reading of the Will.
A Will is not a scroll or any fancy decorated piece of paper. It may depend on the country, but here there is an official stamp on it meaning the rights to administer it have been paid on the form of a tax to the State. This is just for the paper, then of course, the heirs have to pay what we call' succession taxes'.

mammamaia · 06-12-2005, 10:24 AM

here are some answers from an american [sort of], about american practice:

Quote:

Does anyone know what happens at a Will reading?

...the people invited to attend all sit around and listen to the attorney [or executor] read the will... what happens depends on what's in it... someone may faint from the shock of receiving millions, or be enraged at not receiving millions... some may cry at having been left something they didn't expect and some who expected more or who didn't get the item they thought was promised may stomp out in anger... and so on...

Quote:

Like what a will looks like.

... a legally-drafted will will be legal-size white paper, bound with a blue backing sheet... a holographic will will be whatever the deceased wrote it on, in his/her own handwriting...

Quote:

Like how would one write a will?

...if it's a holographic will, any way one wants... but should be in handwriting, not typewritten... if legally-drafted, the testator [person wanting to write a will] will tell [orally, or in writing] his/her attorney what they want given to whom/what, and the attorney will draft the actual will in proper legalese...

Quote:

Also who reads the will?

...the deceased's attorney or the executor of the will... often that will be the same person...

Quote:

And where is it read?

...wills are commonly read at the deceased's attorney's office, but if very wealthy folks involved, the attorney may hold the reading at the home of the deceased... anyone named in the will is usually invited to attend...

...bequests are commonly made of not only the bulk of financial and real estate holdings of the deceased, but also particular items left to surviving relatives, friends, employees... and specific bequests are often made to charitable groups and other such non-family-connected entities...

...any/all of the deceased's assests may be entailed in a trust, that the executor will administer, meaning that the inheritors won't be able to do what they want with the bequest... that's how many with significant wealth continue to control their 'loved' ones even from the grave...

...does that answer all your questions?... ask me more, if you need...

love and hugs, maia

Nickie · 06-12-2005, 11:15 AM

In my country (Belgium) a will can be made at a notary's office, or just by writing down your wishes on some paper and having it witnessed by two others.

Both versions are legal.

Best way, of course, is by having a notary take down your will. It costs a bit, but the notary keeps the will in a safe place in his office, and he will do everything necessary when you die. In my case (I'm single, no kids) he'll see to it that my house is sold, that I'm buried and that the money from the sale goes to a charity which I named.

In case there is family, the inheritants are invited in the office of the notary and the will is read.

Nickie

gohn67 · 06-12-2005, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the information. Very helpful.

Just have one more question, that I'm still a bit unsure of.

How is the language of the will? Is it Formal?

mammamaia · 06-12-2005, 03:13 PM

language of a will, when drafted by an attorney, will be 'formal'... but if the person whose will it is wants certain wording, it will usually be done... he/she is the client, after all...

but a holographic will is written in the person's own words, so will only be as formal or as 'casual' as that person normally writes... or, they may try to make it sound 'legal'...

you can find sample will forms by googling...