Probate vs. Estate Administration – The Basics MWQ Estate Planning After a loved one dies, it can be difficult to understand what steps need taken and how best go about taking them. The following blog post will answer some common questions associated with handling an individual’s estate after they've passed on including: 1. What is […]
Probate vs. Estate Administration – The Basics Read More »
Some people need time to wrap their heads around the concept of a Power of Attorney. So learning that there are various types of this legal instrument complicates matters even further. However, having a Power of Attorney in place is an important and useful legal tool to have, especially as you get older. We’ll cut
Power of Attorney: Ordinary or Lasting? Read More »
Did you realise that the manner in which you divide ownership of jointly held property has a significant impact on your Will? In the event that this is not recorded accurately, your chosen beneficiaries may be disinherited. The recent case Dunbabin & Ors v. Dunbabin provides an explanation. A Costly Error Michael, Timothy, Simon, and
Avoiding Pitfalls When Leaving Jointly-Owned Property in Your Will Read More »
What happens if the deceased’s closest relatives can’t agree on funeral arrangements or if someone else has the legal right to do so? Who has the right to make funeral arrangements? The deceased’s named executors can arrange for a burial or cremation, whichever they see fit, if the deceased has left a valid Will. In
Who has the authority to make funeral arrangements in the UK? Read More »
A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important legal documents you should create. You can do this by instructing a firm of solicitors, using Will writing experts like ourselves, or creating your own with a Post Office Will kit. While a DIY Post Office Will kit may appear appealing because they are
Pros and Cons of Post Office Will Kits Read More »
How often should you revise your Will? People frequently write Wills and then forget about them; they frequently believe that the document they have created will remain in accordance with their wishes and/or valid for the rest of their lives, which is rarely the case. As we go through life, we come across many events,
A Comprehensive Guide to Revising Your Will Read More »
We are currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in recent history as a result of the pandemic, and the death toll from coronavirus continues to rise. As a result, people have been forced to confront their own mortality. This has prompted people to consider writing a Will or updating an existing Will. As
The Main Points To Consider When Drafting a Will and Estate Planning Read More »
If a person lacks mental capacity and has not previously executed a power of attorney, it is likely that they will require the assistance of a deputy to manage their financial affairs and, in limited circumstances, to make health and welfare decisions. Because they play such an important role, it is critical that the person
What is a deputyship and who can apply? Read More »
Many of us consider our home to be our most valuable asset and the most important factor to consider when planning what we want to happen and who we want to look after if we die. However, if you have been contributing to a pension for some time, you may have amassed a sizable “pot,”
What happens to my pension when I die? Read More »
There is no law dictating how a Will should be stored. It is entirely up to you what you want to do about storing your Will, but there are some common sense considerations. It must be kept somewhere secure, where it will not be misplaced, damaged inadvertently, or thrown away. You should tell your executors
Where is the best place to keep a Will? Read More »
Any of us could lose our ability to manage our own affairs at some point in the future due to a variety of factors such as illness, age, accident, or injury. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to
How To Prove Power Of Attorney Read More »
Probate must be obtained when a person dies, whether or not the deceased left a will. If a will exists, the executors will apply for a Grant of Probate. If there is no will, a close relative or family member should apply for Letters of Administration as part of the probate process, which gives them
How Do I Track A Probate Application In The UK? Read More »
When someone dies in the UK or many other countries, their estate may be taxed. In most cases, the tax due is Inheritance Tax (IHT), which the deceased’s family pays on their ‘inheritance.’ However, if the deceased’s estate is substantial and includes overseas investments or properties, a family business, or anything else that ‘earns’ an
How Much Tax Do You Pay On Probate In The UK? Read More »
When a joint tenant dies, his or her share of the property is automatically transferred to the surviving tenant. In these cases, known as Right of Survivorship, there is no need to apply for a Grant of Probate. However, if one owns a share of a property as a tenant in common, their share does
Procedures For Grant Of Probate For Tenants In Common Read More »
A frequent misconception is that when a person dies, their debts do too. Others wrongly assume that the deceased’s immediate family will be responsible for paying off any outstanding obligations. In actuality, the deceased person’s estate is responsible for paying off all of their debts as of the date of death. By “estate,” we imply
What happens to my debts when I die? Read More »
