Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial part of planning for the future, but people often put it off. We look at why it is always recommended to have an LPA in place, and the problems you could face if you delay. An LPA is a legal document giving your attorney the
Why it’s important to make an LPA now and not leave it to the future Read More »
If you have a blended family, it is important to make a Will that accurately reflects what you want to happen in the future. Recent research carried out by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has found that inheritance disputes are increasing within blended step families. Of those questioned, 71% agreed that the
How to deal with a blended family when making your Will Read More »
On 6 April 2026, the government’s changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) took effect. Initial plans were altered in favour of beneficiaries, with the Inheritance Tax (IHT)-free allowance increased from an initially planned £1 million to £2.5 million. Any unused IHT-free allowance is also now capable of transfer between
The new Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief rules Read More »
After a death, the personal representatives of the deceased have the job of winding up the estate. If they don’t want to take on the role, they need to avoid intermeddling. Intermeddling is taking action to deal with the estate as if someone has the right to do so, and as if they will be
What is intermeddling in estate administration? Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint a trusted friend or relative to manage your affairs for you, in case you ever become unable to do this for yourself. We look at whether you need a solicitor to draft your LPA, and what you need to be aware of. There are two
Do you need a solicitor for a Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »
If the executors or administrators of an estate cannot find a beneficiary, it can complicate matters. We look at how to handle missing beneficiaries, and the precautions that need to be taken to avoid future legal claims. Following a death, beneficiaries will either be named in the deceased’s Will or, if there is no valid
What happens if there is a missing beneficiary after somebody dies? Read More »
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 »