After a death, the person appointed as the executor to the estate has a range of powers. We take a look at what tasks they are entitled to carry out and what they are not permitted to do. An executor is appointed in the Will of someone who has died. Their role is to wind
What can an executor do and what are they not authorised to do? Read More »
If you are buying a property jointly with someone else, you can either own it as joint tenants or as tenants in common. We look at why buying a property as tenants in common might be the right option and what you need to take into account when making your decision. When you buy a
Guide to buying a property as tenants in common Read More »
Over recent years, the courts have reported an increase in cases brought after a dispute has arisen over a Will. We look at some of the most common causes of Wills disputes. Wills disputes can be very damaging, with legal costs draining an estate of funds and arguments causing lasting family rifts. The best way
The 5 most common causes of Wills disputes Read More »
The government has announced that temporary Will signing measures, put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, ended on 31 January 2024. During the pandemic lockdown, a temporary amendment was made to the Wills Act 1837, allowing Wills to be witnessed by video. Accompanying guidance suggested that this should only be done as a last resort
Witnessing of Wills by video ends Read More »
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives a chosen attorney the authority to manage someone’s affairs, should they lose the ability to do this. We take a look at whether someone with dementia can make an LPA. An LPA can be hugely beneficial for someone with dementia. If the time
Can someone with dementia make a Lasting Power of Attorney? Read More »
With cohabitation continuing in popularity and marriage rates falling among younger people, we take a look at marriage versus cohabitation. The 2021 census carried out by the Office for National Statistics revealed that 24.3% of people are cohabiting outside of marriage or civil partnership. Those who are married or in a civil partnership account for
Marriage versus cohabitation Read More »
If you are dealing with the administration of the estate of someone who has died, you will have a long list of tasks to carry out. We take a look at the key jobs and the best way to approach them. As an executor or administrator, you will be responsible for winding up the deceased’s
7 key jobs when administering an estate Read More »
A new bill aimed at speeding up and simplifying the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney has been passed by Parliament. The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 became law on 18 September 2023. Currently, the Office of the Public Guardian deals with the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney using a paper-based system. They have
New Powers of Attorney Act 2023 becomes law Read More »
Can you decline a legacy left to you in someone’s Will? In some cases, there may be an advantage to refusing a gift left to you in a Will. We explain why and look at how to decline a legacy. If you are left something in someone’s Will, you do not have to accept it
Can you decline a legacy left to you in someone’s Will? Read More »
If you are dealing with the estate of someone who has died, you may need to pay Inheritance Tax. This has to be done before you can administer the estate. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable on the part of an estate worth over £325,000, usually at the rate of 40% of the amount over this
How to pay Inheritance Tax Read More »