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 »
There are distinct differences between cohabitation and marriage when it comes to the law. We take a look at the rights that attach to each. Many couples choose to live together, either as an alternative to marriage or civil partnership, or before deciding to get married or enter into a civil partnership. Marriage and civil
Marriage versus cohabitation Read More »
If you have been left out of a Will, you may be able to make a claim for reasonable financial provision from the deceased’s estate. We look at who can claim and how much they might receive. It can be distressing to find that you have not been provided for from the estate of a
What is reasonable financial provision in an Inheritance Act claim? Read More »
If you are looking after an elderly or vulnerable relative or friend, you may need to know whether they have signed a Lasting Power of Attorney or whether a deputy has been appointed to act for them. When someone loses the ability to manage their own affairs, it is usually necessary to have either an
How to find out if someone has an LPA or a deputy Read More »
When someone makes a Will, they need to understand the contents of the document and give their approval. If this is not the case, then after their death it may be possible to challenge the Will and ask the courts to declare it invalid. In signing a Will, it is crucial that the person making
What is lack of knowledge and approval of a Will? Read More »
The law provides that in the UK, an individual can leave their estate to whomever they want. However, if someone is unduly influenced by another person into making a Will that is favourable to that person, then the Will is not valid. If you believe that someone has been persuaded to make a Will in
How do you prove undue influence in a Will? Read More »
Having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place gives you the security of knowing that someone will be able to deal with your affairs, should you ever lose the ability to manage them yourself. However, if an attorney dies, it can cause a problem. We take a look at how to put contingency plans
What happens if an attorney under an LPA dies? Read More »