We have talked a lot about the importance of making a will, the need to choose your executor(s) wisely, and how changes to your personal circumstances may trigger the need to update your will. Most of the time, when people sit down to prepare a will, they will focus on the large-ticket items – things…
Applying for probate in London need not be a complex process. There are certain rules that must be followed, so it is helpful to know what those are and in what order they apply. This set approach also helps make the process smoother for you at what is a difficult time. Once you are ready…
You have no doubt heard of a power of attorney document and if you are a regular reader you will already know a lot about wills – what they are, how to set them up, and how to find the right executors to carry out your wishes. What you may not know is how a…
Finding the right executor is an important consideration when preparing a will. Sometimes, though, things change, and life has a way of throwing curveballs. Your well-chosen executor may find that they need to declare bankruptcy somewhere along the way or your beneficiaries may find themselves in such a position. What are the implications on your…
When someone passes away it is the responsibility of the executor(s) of their will to manage their estate according to their wishes. This will mean that they will have to collect and administer their estate before passing it on to their beneficiaries. What happens though when that estate, and the wishes set out in the…
Giving to charity is something that we do a lot in Britain. According to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), in 2017 the amount donated to charity came to £10.3 billion. It’s fair to say that as a nation we support a number of charities, whether directly or through sponsorship, and enjoy giving to those causes…
When preparing a will it is easy to think that you have identified all your assets. Most of us think about our physical assets when we do this: property, valuables, stocks and shares, pension pots, cash, etc. However, with the increasing reliance on digital systems we often forget about those additional assets which can be…
A will is one of the most important legal documents you can have. It is an essential way of ensuring any savings and assets get distributed to family and friends according to your wishes. But with nearly two thirds of adults in the UK without a will, are DIY kits a solution? And do they…
Wills need not be complex, nor do they need to be long, drawn-out affairs. Many people put off preparing one in the mistaken belief that it is expensive or complicated, leaving their loved ones with a much more complex process of probate once they do pass. The most common mistake in estate planning is not…
Inheritance can be a tricky thing to set up and manage. As well as navigating all the pitfalls of the law, what you can and cannot do, and what your tax bill may be at the end of it all, there is also the matter of considering managing family expectations or working around problems within…