If someone dies without making a Will, they are said to be intestate. If they do not have any living relatives, then it is the law that their estate will go to the Crown. The Rules of Intestacy provide that where an individual has not left a valid Will, then on their death their estate
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The government has announced an extension of its legislation allowing individuals who are isolating to have their Will witnessed virtually. The law was originally introduced in September 2020 so that those who could not meet others during the pandemic were still able to put a Will in place. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that
Video witnessing of Wills extended to 2024 Read More »
If you believe that a loved one’s Will is not valid for some reason, you may be entitled to raise a legal challenge. Grounds for challenging the validity of a Will There are a number of reasons why a Will might not be valid, as follows: It was not properly executed The person making the
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A recent report has found that only half of parents plan to share their estate equally between their children. The report, carried out on behalf of Netwealth and The Money Whisperer®, found that there was a lack of understanding on the part of both parents and young adults in respect of finances and what might
Unequal inheritance; more parents are deciding not to split inheritance equally Read More »
When an estate executor or administrator deals with the winding up of someone’s affairs after their death, it is their job to distribute the net estate to the beneficiaries who are entitled to inherit. Where a beneficiary cannot be located, it is important that the executor or administrator discharges their liabilities by doing all in
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After a death, it is often necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is the document that gives the deceased’s personal representatives legal authority to deal with their affairs and wind up their estate. If the deceased left a Will, it will name executors. These are the
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Personal chattels are personal possessions such as furniture, the contents of your home and cars. Also referred to as tangible moveable property, personal chattels are items that you own and use personally. Items used mainly for business purposes are not classed as personal chattels, nor are money and investments. If you have bought jewellery partly
Personal chattels in Wills explained Read More »
If you have been appointed as someone’s attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney you will have the authority to make certain decisions on their behalf. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney – one in respect of property and financial affairs and one in respect of health and welfare. When someone loses
What can an attorney do under a Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »
A study has shown that sibling rivalry lasts into adulthood, with arguments continuing down the years over sensitive issues. A poll commissioned by NOW found that a quarter of adults still argue with their siblings. Some 26% compete with a brother or sister over their career while 22% bicker about home ownership. Over 20% argue
Study finds sibling rivalry lasts to adulthood Read More »
Over time, you may need to make changes to your Will. You have the option of adding a codicil or making a new Will. It is recommended that you review your Will at least once every five years as well as in the light of any major life events, such as buying a home, the
Should I add a codicil to my Will or make a new Will? Read More »