For the majority, Christmas is a time of warmth and love, celebration and festivities, presents and indulgence. Unfortunately, this time of year is a very different story for an ever increasing minority. According to Resolution data, the number of children in the UK living in relative poverty by the end of this year will exceed
We are hosting a Christmas Raffle in aid of Action for Children Read More »
If someone exerts undue influence over another person so that they amend or make a Will in their favour, it can be legally challenged in court. We take a look at what undue influence is and how you can avoid your Will being challenged in this way. What is undue influence? In respect of a
What does it mean when a Will is made under undue influence? Read More »
Over time, changes in circumstances can mean that a Will becomes out of date and doesn’t accurately reflect your wishes. We look at how to ensure your Will can cope with changes. It is a good idea to make a Will, even if you are young. It helps keep your financial affairs organised and if
Writing a Will that is future proof Read More »
When someone who has a mortgage dies, it is important to notify the lender as soon as possible. If the property has been left to you in a Will, you should ask them about the options for taking on some or all of the mortgage if it cannot be repaid. After a death, notifications need to
What happens when a homeowner with a mortgage dies Read More »
Pensions are notoriously complex and different rules can apply to different pensions held by different companies. After someone’s death, the benefit of their pension may be payable to the person they nominated when the scheme was set up. Workplace and private pensions Sometimes a workplace or private pension scheme will provide a lump sum and/or
What happens to someone’s pension after their death? Read More »
Leaving a gift to charity in your Will can reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax payable by your estate, as well as benefit your favourite good cause. In 2018, £3 billion was left to over 10,000 different charities in Wills. Smaller charities are increasingly popular, possibly following some high profile failures by bigger organisations. An
The charities that are receiving the most from gifts left in Wills Read More »
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 »