Yes, you can legally start the probate process before the funeral. However, in practice, most executors cannot submit a complete application until after the funeral due to the administrative steps required beforehand. Why Applying Immediately Is Difficult To submit an official application for a Grant of Probate in the UK, you must meet several strict…
Funerals don’t have to follow a rigid, gloomy template anymore. More and more people are ditching the traditional sea of black clothes and formal service sheets to plan something that actually sounds like the person who died. If you are organising a farewell for someone close to you right now, you probably want it to…
A standard will is fairly straightforward: you name your executors, pick your beneficiaries, sign it in front of witnesses, and you’re done. But life isn’t always that neat. People often want to add extra context, which is where things like codicils, deathbed gifts, and letters of wishes come into play. Here is a closer look…
Most of us have heard the phrase “deathbed gift,” but what does it actually mean in practice? When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, the emotional weight is already immense. Trying to navigate the spoken promises of gifts during such a difficult time can add a massive layer of stress and…
For most of us, the goal of hard work is to leave something behind for the next generation. Many families choose to formalise these wishes by creating a legally valid will. We imagine passing down the family home or a nest egg that makes life just a little bit easier for our children. But in…
Bankruptcy Following Death Contrary to popular belief, a person’s debts do not automatically disappear when they die. The debts must be paid off from the estate before it may be given to the heirs or other beneficiaries. However, there are steps that can help manage this burden. Understanding the Probate Process Before any debts can…
After losing a loved one, dealing with their belongings is often the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to take steps to protect their property, as empty homes can quickly become targets for opportunists. This blog offers some simple steps you can take to keep the property safe. Changing Locks Changing the locks…
Pets, especially dogs and cats, often quickly become family members. It makes sense to ensure they are taken care of after your death. Yet many people have no plan in place, and some pets outlive their owners. Pets are often overlooked in estate planning, but including arrangements for them is important. This blog looks at…
Preparing a will and deciding how your estate will be distributed after you die are things many of us think about. If you own property and want to transfer it to a loved one, this is a logical consideration. It makes sense that throughout our healthy years, we don’t often consider residential care. But it…
How Long Should Probate Take? A grant of probate is required to guarantee the proper handling of a deceased person’s assets if they have a valid will. For the next of kin to manage the estate in the event of an intestate death (one in which there is no legal will), a Letter of Administration…