[Evening]

I figure this might be a bit of a trigger for some people...

A few months ago, a friend of mine died, when she was only 24. After her funeral, I really started thinking about my own death, and my own funeral. I'm only in my early 20's, but if my friend is anything to go by that doesn't really mean anything.
So I thought bout writing a will, and compiling a collection of photos in case I do, you know, kick the bucket. I know you can get will kits, but can you just write it out without having to go through somewhere to do so? I'd rather just type up my own thing and sign it. And I was putting together some photos on the computer, because at my friends funeral they had a slide show, but I'd like to have some sort of say in what is actually shown to the people who will be there!

[wanttoheal]

It really depends on the state you are in. Some states do not recognize hand made wills, some just need a notary and some need a lawyer. Make sure you do some research on your state (if you are in the US) or your area.

[Elana05]

Evening,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending supportive thoughts and good wishes your way.

[Sanguinaire]

Originally Posted by Evening

I figure this might be a bit of a trigger for some people...

A few months ago, a friend of mine died, when she was only 24. After her funeral, I really started thinking about my own death, and my own funeral. I'm only in my early 20's, but if my friend is anything to go by that doesn't really mean anything.
So I thought bout writing a will, and compiling a collection of photos in case I do, you know, kick the bucket. I know you can get will kits, but can you just write it out without having to go through somewhere to do so? I'd rather just type up my own thing and sign it. And I was putting together some photos on the computer, because at my friends funeral they had a slide show, but I'd like to have some sort of say in what is actually shown to the people who will be there!

honestly, you wont die unless death calls for you; i realize this a couple months ago...cause in my dream, i was commiting suicide, there was a timer with 5 seconds left, at the last secoond, i regret it, just a twinge, the timer stalled and stop and i woke up..so you wont die unless you want to

[Gus1234U]

personally, i think having a will is a kind thing. people don't need to be burdened with wondering what you might have wanted. and even if it's not entirely legal, unless you own property, it's better than nothing, to indicate what you would want done.

having a medical will is even more important~! best wishes, Gus

because i am single with no family i decided to donate my body to a medical school..this way when i go no one has to feel guilty or sad that there is no funeral, burial plans etc. i contacted the medical school, applied & it has been noted on my medical records...i also made a living will stating this.

i just felt it was easier on my friends...takes the burden off them...plus i have more than enough odd health things about me that medical students will certainly learn things (3 kidneys on 1 side etc)

i have established a fund for my dogs or any pets i have in case of my passing as well.

[splitimage]

Everyone should have a will. I finally got round to drawing one up last winter. I don't own property, but I do have some valuable musical instruments, and jewelery and I wanted a say in how it was distributed.

splitimage

[Caretaker Leo]

I'm so sorry for your loss of your friend. At such a young age, it must be very difficult.

Glad you posted this. I am 55 and currently don't have a will. When I flew out on vacation last week, I realized yet again that I need one.

I think typing something out and taking photos might be a good place to start. After that, I know I will need to check the laws of my state to make certain it is a legal document. I believe I also have to have an executor for my estate...

[Evening]

I know that whatever happens surely everything would go to my mother anyway, as I'm estranged from my father, and he's not on my birth certificate, and I don't really have any siblings (well I have a half brother on my dads side who I barely know). The first thing I said was that everything will go to my mother. Then my family can go through whatever my mother doesn't want, unless they are going to fight about it, in which case they can have nothing and the rest will go to specific friends I named and then the rest to a charity. I also stated that I do not want my death announced on Facebook until all my family and specifically named friends were informed by other means (as when my friend died I found out on Facebook, and that bugs me).
I got very specific in how I want things done. I guess it doesn't need to be a certified will as the majority of what I wrote isn't really anything that will cause any issues with property.

I know a lot of what I wrote wasn't really necessary and was very specific, but at least people will know I was the one that wrote it! It's more of a 'this is what I would like' rather than a specific will. At least until I can get a more binding one. Better than nothing hey?