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 »
A Lasting Power of Attorney or LPA gives an attorney the legal authority to make decisions on someone’s behalf, should they ever lose the mental capacity to do this themselves. There are two types of LPA: Property and financial affairs LPA; and Health and welfare LPA Different attorneys can be appointed for each type of
What to do if you no longer want to be an LPA attorney Read More »
It is always a good idea to put a Will in place, whatever stage of life you are at. However, there are risks if a Will is not correctly drafted and many legal cases have stemmed from someone making a DIY Will. We take a look at the potential problems. Strict rules apply to Wills
The dangers of having a homemade Will Read More »
A pre-nuptial agreement, also referred to as a prenup, can be helpful to a couple who are intending to pool their resources and marry. A similar type of agreement is also available to couples who are already married. We take a look at the advantages. Pre-nuptial agreements are sometimes thought of as just for the
Why is a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement a good idea? Read More »
Winding up an estate can be complex and time-consuming, but there are also other valid reasons why you might want to use a Probate Practitioner for probate. After someone dies, their affairs are finalised by their personal representative. This is either their executor, appointed in their Will, or their administrator, if they did not leave
8 reasons to use a Probate Practitioner for probate Read More »