If you are named as an executor in the Will of someone who has died, you will be responsible for winding up their estate. We look at some of the issues you need to be aware of before you start dealing with the administration. If, for any reason, you do not want to take on
What you need to know before you start administering a Will Read More »
With large numbers of parents deciding to have children outside of marriage or civil partnership, we look at the legal concerns you need to be aware of. From financial issues to deciding what surname to give your child, you will have different matters to consider than a married parent. Understanding your options will allow you
Legal considerations if you have children and are not married Read More »
After a death, the deceased’s personal representatives, either executors or administrators, are responsible for winding up their affairs. This is a complex task and generally time-consuming. A probate solicitor can take on the estate administration and deal with matters on behalf of the personal representatives. If you are considering using a probate solicitor, you will
Understanding the role of a probate solicitor Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in respect of health and welfare matters will give your chosen attorney the right to make certain decisions on your behalf, should you ever become unable to make them yourself. There are two types of LPA, one for health and welfare and one for property and financial affairs. The
What can you include in a health and welfare LPA? Read More »
If you are going through a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you may be able to reach agreement on matters with your former partner without the need for litigation. Your solicitor will put the terms of the agreement into a draft consent order. This is then sent to the court for approval.
Are consent orders always granted by the courts? Read More »
When someone makes a Will, in order for it to be valid they must have testamentary capacity. This means that they must understand the implications of making the Will. We look at the details and what to do if you believe that someone did not have the mental ability to make a valid Will. It
Lack of testamentary capacity Read More »
It sometimes happens that an individual promises to pass on an asset in their Will to another party, but when the time comes, the recipient finds that it has not been left to them. In certain circumstances, it is possible to make a claim against the estate for the asset. To be successful, the claimant
What happens if you are promised something in a Will but not left it? Read More »
The new Labour government has been criticised by UK farmers after reducing Inheritance Tax relief on agricultural assets to £1 million. The Inheritance Tax threshold for other individuals will stay frozen until 2030, meaning that as estates increase in value over time, more Inheritance Tax will be payable, and more estates will attract the tax.
Inheritance Tax implications of Labour’s first budget Read More »
If you are a beneficiary entitled to receive an inheritance following a death, you may have concerns if the estate’s executors or administrators fail to take the necessary action to wind matters up. If delays are extensive, you may need to take action. The assets in an estate need to be protected and it is
Executor delays in estate administration and the citation process Read More »
Pet ownership has increased over recent years, with an estimated 36% of households owning the UK’s 13.5 million pet dogs. Cats are not far behind, with 29% of households owning 12.5 million cats. But what happens to pets owned by a couple if they separate? Prenuptial agreements are arrangements made between a couple setting out
Do I need a pet nup? Read More »