* Wills, Executors and Beneficiaries

[gsward]

We have quite a large number of posts on this topic already, but I could not quite find the answer to my dilemma.

I have started to look at filling out the details on the wills I have in my database. Previously I had only recorded dates of the will and a separate probate event. It seems I have a choice of adding parties to a will, say, using the witness feature which I prefer, as it enables me to link to the other person in my database. However, we also have a "Wills" property box which at first sight seems to be convenient until you realise that the fields for Executor and Beneficiary there are merely text fields.

Am I missing something here?

Is the Wills Property Box in need of some enhancement?

Graham

[Jane]

With version 6, Executors and Beneficiaries should be entered as Witnesses, unless you have strong reasons not to.

This can be done using the Witness link on the Facts tab so you don't need to use a Property box tab which was done prior to Witnesses being available.

[gsward]

Thanks. So would you suggest we can remove the Wills tab?

[Jane]

or you could customise it to remove lines better suited as witnesses.

[gsward]

So can you include names of people that are linked as witnesses in a will (executors, trustees, beneficiaries etc) in the Property Box? I have had a look at trying to find the appropriate entry in the Data Reference Assistant for a custom item, but without success.

[tatewise]

No, the custom fields in Property Box tabs can only refer to local data within the record.
They cannot refer via links to other records, so Fact Witnesses are not possible.
The only exception is on the Main tab, where Spouse record and Family record details can be used.
Also, Functions are not possible, so what can be displayed is very restrictive.
I'm not sure why it is so restrictive and hope the restrictions get lifted eventually.