If you are in the difficult position of having a loved one who is no longer able to manage their own affairs, you may need the help of the Court of Protection. The court deals with matters relating to those who do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions, whether this is
How can the Court of Protection help if a relative loses mental capacity? Read More »
If you are winding up the estate of someone who has died, or you will be inheriting from an estate, you may be wondering how long it takes to finalise an estate administration. We look at the process and the length of time it can take. After a death, the executors named in the deceased’s
How long does probate take? Read More »
Administering an estate after someone’s death can be hard. The job is time-consuming, sometimes complicated, and, by its nature, comes at what is likely to be a difficult time. If you do not want to deal with an estate administration, you need to take care to handle matters correctly. If you do some work, however
What do you do if you don’t want to be the executor of an estate? Read More »
As contentious probate disputes continue to increase, no contest clauses in Wills are on the rise in an attempt to stop beneficiaries from making a legal challenge. A no contest clause, also referred to as a forfeiture clause, makes a bequest in a Will conditional upon the beneficiary not making a claim against the estate.
What is a no contest clause in a Will, and should you include one? Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an essential part of future planning. We look at the differences between LPAs and advance decisions, and what happens if you make both. There are two main types of LPA: one deals with property and financial affairs, and the other type covers health and welfare. It is usually
Can you make an LPA and an advance decision? Read More »
If your family does not have a traditional structure, you need to have a clear understanding of how inheritance will work. Where there are cohabiting partners, new spouses, same-sex relationships, children from a former relationship, or blended families, the law can be complex. It is crucial to ensure you have the right Will in place
Understanding inheritance for modern family structures Read More »
Putting a valid Will in place is crucial to ensure your estate will pass to your loved ones in the way that you want and that disputes between family members will be avoided. But reviewing and updating your Will regularly is just as vital. Find out when you should consider making changes. It’s easy to
When should you update your Will? Read More »
Ministry of Justice figures have revealed that over the past five years, the number of Wills disputes reaching the courts has increased by a shocking 61%. Disagreements after a death can be very damaging, both to family relationships, and to finances, with protracted litigation likely to place a strain on estate funds. What is causing
Why are Wills disputes on the increase? Read More »
Older homeowners are increasingly being targeted by firms hoping to profit by selling so-called ‘asset protection trusts’, costing thousands of pounds. Not only are the trusts ineffective, but they can also leave homeowners with complex legal difficulties when they find they no longer own their properties. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been warning about
The asset protection trust mis-selling scandal Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a powerful document in planning for the future. It allows you to appoint someone to deal with your affairs and make decisions on your behalf, should this ever become necessary. We look at how to choose the right person as your representative. You can make two different types
Who should I choose to be my attorney in my Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »