In today's digital age, free or cheap will-writing services are increasingly common. While these options may seem attractive, they often come with hidden risks that can jeopardise your final wishes and your loved ones' financial security. From inadequate legal protection to potential errors that could...
When someone dies, their money and property often go through a legal process called probate. Many people wonder how long lawyers can keep this money after probate ends. This article explains why lawyers might hold onto funds, what rules they follow, and what you can...
The quest to locate a will following a loved one's death can be fraught with complexity and uncertainty. This crucial document not only dictates the distribution of assets but also embodies the final wishes of the deceased. This article aims to illuminate the process of...
With recent high-profile law firm closures making headlines, many Britons are questioning the safeguards protecting their wills and other important legal documents. This uncertainty has raised concerns about the security of final wishes. Understanding what happens to Wills when a solicitor's practice shuts down is...
As the country is still trying to find an effective and cohesive policy to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, so many aspects of our lives have been affected, and not all of them evident. As it looks as though the expected resurgence of a new...
A Will may be written and not updated some time before death or the Testator. It is not unheard of for the named Executor or Executors to die or be unable to execute the Will, and this can become a complicated situation. That is why...
There may come the point in life where you find yourself in a compromised position – one which may require someone else to make life-changing decisions on your behalf. The reasons for this are broad. They may be health-related, such as a diagnosis of dementia....
The first thing to understand is what an oath is. When it comes to swearing an oath relating to a document, you are using the law to guarantee that what is contained within the document is the truth as far as you are aware. Examples...
Life is unpredictable. You never know what will happen when or how your circumstances might change. As such, any adult should have an up-to-date will at all times. A will is a legal document stating where your assets should be allotted if you are ever...
When someone close to you passes away, it is natural for a variety of emotions to strike. Several factors can make death incredibly overwhelming. Suppose the death was unexpected. Perhaps you also find yourself as the sole proprietor of getting the deceased individual's affairs in...
Two approaches can be taken in relation to the above statement. The first is from the point of view of your own personal will, while the alternative is from the point of view of changing a will made by someone else. Let us first look...
When someone dies, often they leave an estate. The estate includes any property, possessions, and money that they owned. This estate is subject to a tax called Inheritance Tax. How much inheritance tax someone must pay is dependent upon how much the estate is worth. The value...
Did you know that over 54% of adults in the United Kingdom do not have a will, or that 5.4 million people have absolutely no idea how to make a will? This surprising data from Which1 is enough to stop you in your tracks and make you...
What is a trust? A trust is a legally binding contract in which 'trustees' are given legal responsibility to look after assets, for example, property or land. Items such as antiques and jewellery can also be placed in a trust or otherwise known as 'chattels'....
Many of you will be aware of inheritance tax, even if you are not sure at what level they will be set at, though currently, it is a massive 40%. For many, it is just an accepted fact that when someone dies, the taxman benefits. ...
The death of a loved one comes with all sorts of stresses and emotions. For many people, the last thing they want to do is deal with wills and estates. Nevertheless, without taking the appropriate steps, inheritance tax could end up costing you hundreds of thousands...
The death of a loved one is always a stressful and upsetting time. Aside from the emotional distress, there is the complexity of dealing with their financial estate and Will. You may have heard the term probate but are unfamiliar with what it means. Read...
While there are legal processes in place which ensure that property will stay within the family wherever possible when a person dies without a will, it is equally valid that these processes; what lawyers call “the rules of intestacy”; may not reflect the exact wishes...
What is a Power of Attorney? A Power Of Attorney signs over your legal decisions and legal rights to one or more people (known as your attorneys) in the event that you are unable to make these decisions yourself. What is meant by Mental Capacity?...
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document enabling a designated person (known as an ‘attorney’) to manage the property and financial affairs on behalf of another person (known as a ‘donor’). Only EPA’s made and signed before October 1st 2007 are still valid...
