As unscrupulous companies continue to invite older individuals and couples to put their homes into asset protection trusts to avoid payment of care home fees, we explain the dangers. Asset protection trusts are often promoted by unregulated and uninsured firms and the sale of these schemes has been described as the next big mis-selling scandal.
Understanding the risks of asset protection trusts Read More »
If you make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) you have the option of nominating individuals to be notified when the LPA is registered. We look at who you can choose to be told about your LPA and what it might be helpful for them to know. An LPA is a legal document that authorises
Who should I tell about a Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives legal authority to someone to deal with your affairs, should you ever be unable to do so yourself. There are two types of LPA, one for property and financial affairs and one for health and welfare. It is generally recommended that everyone should put LPAs in place so
Should I register my Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »
If you are a property owner, you need to know what will happen to it in the future. Passing on a house is not always straightforward and it is important to make sure you have the right plans in place. Even if you have a Will your property might not pass to the beneficiaries you
What will happen to my house when I die? Read More »
Most people understand the importance of having a Will in place, whatever your age and circumstances. But what should you do with your Will once it has been drafted and signed? We look at where to store a Will and who you should notify of its location. Having a Will is your opportunity to make
Where should I store my Will and who should I tell about it? Read More »
If you have been named as an executor in someone’s Will, you can choose not to take up the position if you don’t feel able. We look at how to renounce probate, the reasons why this might be the right choice for you and how the estate will be administered if you do not take
How to renounce probate and why you might want to Read More »
Most of us know that it is important to make a Will to ensure that our estate is passed on to those we want to inherit in the most efficient way possible. The most common reasons cited for the importance of making a Will include: Ensuring you provide for your loved ones Avoiding disinheritance traps
Unusual reasons to make a Will Read More »
If a Grant of Probate is needed after a death, you must obtain this before you can start collecting in and selling the estate assets. For example, you will not be able to sell a property until you have the grant. We take a look at how to avoid delays in securing probate. It can
Avoiding delays in probate Read More »
The Court of Protection (CoP) fulfils a vital role in looking after individuals who no longer have the ability to manage their own affairs. This includes in respect of both welfare matters and finances. The court also authorises others to act as deputies for those who need assistance. If you have a relative who cannot make their own decisions any more and they do not
What is the role of the Court of Protection? Read More »
If you have been living with someone but were not married to them, you could find yourself in a difficult situation if they die without leaving a Will. We look at how cohabitees are protected and what you might be able to claim from your partner’s estate. For couples who live together but who are neither married
Cohabitee Inheritance Act claims Read More »