What Do You Think?

This is a column that is keen for your feedback and contribution. Eric Brading is a writer, so please do not extract any legal opinion or advice from his efforts. This account is purely fictitious, and, is not related to persons living, or dead.

Meg and Ryan are a couple in their early 60’s. They have been together over 20 years, and have not yet married. Ryan has 4 children from a previous marriage and Meg has no children. They live in a house owned by Meg. For many years their happiness has been marred by the subject of making a will.

Ryan has nothing to leave his children, or family except the clothes on his back, so to speak!!! Meg owns the house and has a private pension. Meg wants to make a will, leaving everything to Ryan, but on his death, that the property to be left to Meg’s family, and not Ryan’s children.

Naturally, Ryan is upset by Meg’s position, which is understandable. Statistically speaking, women live longer, so he should not be bothered at all by her will. It is likely, that he will go first, so that will be the end of it… They could get married of course, but would this persuade Meg, to not make a will, and rely on the law to decide who inherits? Probably not, as Meg just doesn’t like the idea of Ryan’s children having an inheritance.. Over my dead body, she might say..

They could put the house into joint names, so if in the unlikely scenario of Meg dying before Ryan. Ryan at least would not be homeless. She could then will the rest of her estate to her family, friends, or a favorite dog home!!!!!!!!!

Ryan could leave his partner and find his own accommodation, as his health is beginning to suffer, due to the stress of the relationship, and most importantly, this unresolved issue.

This is not a situation that can continue for either partner. There is continuous friction and the atmosphere at home is unbearable. A solution has to be found promptly, and I am asking you, the reader to suggest the happy ending!

Just to recap, some of the the options are as follows:

1. Ryan should accept Meg’s decision, and be happy.

2. They should not make wills, but get married.

3. Meg should put the house into both their names.

4. Ryan should leave immediately, before his health declines

Let me know dear reader,

What do you think?