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 »
Wills disputes can be damaging to family relationships as well as draining an estate of funds and causing lengthy delays in the administration process. If a disagreement arises after someone’s death, it can quickly escalate at a time when emotions are running high and those involved may have different opinions as to what the deceased
5 tips for avoiding Wills disputes Read More »
If someone is making a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975, they will generally have just six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration in which to start the legal process. Standstill agreements are often used to try and extend this period. They constitute an agreement between
Standstill agreements in Inheritance Act claims Read More »
If you find out after someone dies that a mistake has been made in their Will, it may be possible to have this rectified. It can be a shock to find out that a Will does not accurately reflect how the deceased wanted their estate distributed or that a clerical error means that their Will
When can a Will be rectified? Read More »
While most people understand the importance of making a Will, the National Wills Report 2023 found that 56% of adults have not made one. We look at some of the reasons why people put off the task. Having a Will is your opportunity to ensure that your estate passes to those whom you want to
5 reasons why people put off making a Will Read More »