As well as naming the people who are to receive money from your estate, a Will can make various appointments, including those of Executor and Trustee. When you make a Will you need to consider who you would like to administer your estate and be responsible for any money that is to be held in
The different roles of an Executor and a Trustee in probate Read More »
If you own a property jointly with someone else and you want to leave it in your Will, you need to understand the different types of joint ownership. When you buy a home with someone else, you will either own it as joint tenants or as tenants in common. This affects who the property will
Leaving a jointly owned property in your Will Read More »
If you don’t own a property, it is easy to assume that you don’t need a Will. In fact there are several good reasons why you should still make one. Leaving a Will can be of great comfort to loved ones, as you can set out your wishes with regard to what you would like
Making a Will even when you don’t own your own home Read More »
A large proportion of same sex couples are neither married nor in a civil partnership, which can have implications when it comes to inheritance matters. While the law treats everyone the same when it comes to Wills and probate, there are several considerations to take into account if you are in a relationship but are
Will and probate considerations for same sex couples Read More »
It is a mistake to think that Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be avoided by giving away assets during your lifetime. While it may often be the case that it is beneficial to pass on gifts during your life, you need to be aware that there could still be an IHT liability. The tax rules on
Is Inheritance Tax payable on property gifted during lifetime? Read More »
When someone has died and their Will can’t be located, although you are certain there is one, there are several courses of action you can take to try and locate it. If you make a Will, you should ensure that your loved ones know where it is being stored. Otherwise, there is a risk that
What happens after a death when you can’t find the deceased’s Will Read More »
Making a Will may not be the first thing you think of when you’re getting divorced, but it is an important part of looking after your assets and making sure only those you choose will benefit from them. Even if you already have a valid Will in place, once you have decided to proceed with
Why you need a Will if you’re getting divorced Read More »
When you’re writing your Will, you will need to choose the right person to be your executor. We look at what being an executor entails and whether that person can also be a beneficiary. It is important when writing your Will that the executor you name is someone you trust to deal with your affairs
Can you leave someone a legacy in your Will and also name them as your Executor? Read More »
There are a number of reasons why someone might wish to decline becoming an executor, despite having been named as one in a Will. They may not have the time to deal with the administration of the estate, which could be lengthy and time-consuming. They may feel that the role is more than they can cope with,
Renouncing as an executor of a Will Read More »
When someone dies leaving a Will that creates a Trust, it can have implications for the person dealing with the administration of the estate. A Will may leave property or assets to a Trust so that an individual may benefit from them during their lifetime without actually owning them. For example, the deceased may have
Administering an estate when the Will creates a trust Read More »