After someone dies, their assets need to be collected in and distributed to their beneficiaries. We look at the deadlines for completing this work. The person who deals with the administration of an estate is known as the executor or, where there was no Will, the administrator. It is their job to value the estate,
Estate administration deadlines Read More »
When the owner of a business dies, probate can be lengthy and complicated as their business assets have to be valued and transferred. Whether business assets are sold or transferred depends on the way in which the business was owned and operated as well as the wishes of the deceased. The estate’s executor or administrator
Dealing with business assets during Probate Read More »
When dealing with financial affairs, it may seem ideal to allow children or other trusted family members access to your accounts to help you manage finances. We explain why this is never advisable. Giving someone the information they need to deal with your money may seem like a good solution if you’re concerned about being
Can I allow trusted family members access to my bank account? Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint an attorney to deal with your affairs once you are no longer capable of doing so yourself. If you do not have an LPA, then your family will have to apply for a Deputyship Order to allow someone to help you. There are two types
Why a Lasting Power of Attorney is preferable to a Deputyship Order Read More »
When you’re expecting a baby there’s a long list of things to do to get ready. Making a Will isn’t usually at the top of the list, and for many people it isn’t even something they think about at all. But in reality, it’s an important job that could seriously impact your family’s future. Nobody
Why should you make a Will when you start a family Read More »
Signing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) document authorises someone to deal with matters on your behalf, should you become unable to do so yourself. There are two types of LPAs, one covering property and financial affairs and one covering health and welfare. It is possible to ask your attorney to deal with your property
Choosing someone to act as your attorney Read More »
While no-one really wants another task to do before they go away on holiday, it really is a good idea to make sure you have a valid Will in place before you travel. Taking a trip will always involve a small risk, and many people take out insurance just in case something happens. Think of
Making a Will before you go on holiday Read More »
Making a Will is often something people don’t bother with until they are older or have children. But once you reach the age of 18, you should seriously consider writing your first Will. Although many young people don’t think about making a Will, it is a good idea to have one in place so that
Why even young people should think about making a Will Read More »
There are many decisions to be made at a time when people may be feeling overwhelmed and fraught. It is not uncommon for executors to fall out during this time, which is the last thing the deceased would have wanted. People may feel that the other executor(s) are not acting in the most beneficial way,
Dealing with disagreement between executors in the administration of probate Read More »
Nearly two million people are due a refund after the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) overcharged for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An LPA gives someone the right to manage your affairs after you become incapable of doing so. You can execute an LPA in respect of your health and welfare and/or
Are you owed a refund after setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »