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 »
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 »