Will Writing

Warning to retirees of draining pension in ‘lottery effect’  Research carried out by financial services and asset management company Legal & General (L&G) has found that those reaching retirement could be jeopardising their future by spending too much of their pension early on.  Individuals currently receive access to large sums of money overnight, leading to […]

Understanding mirror Wills and mutual Wills  If you and your partner or spouse want to make similar Wills, you have several options, including mirror Wills and mutual Wills. We take a look at the benefits of mirror and mutual Wills, as well as the pitfalls of not having the right Will in place.  It is

What information are estate beneficiaries entitled to? After someone’s death, the executors or administrators of an estate have the task of winding up the deceased’s affairs. This can be a lengthy process and it is sometimes the case that beneficiaries ask for information. We look at their rights and what they are entitled to know. 

The increased risk of inheritance disputes after divorce and remarriage If you have been through a divorce or separation or you are considering marrying, it is important to review your Will. There is a risk of a dispute amongst family members if your Will does not accurately reflect your position and what you want to

Having a Will is an essential part of future-planning. It ensures that your chosen beneficiaries will be looked after and reduces the risk of disagreements between family members. Find out below seven of the most important clauses to include in a Will. 1. Appoint your executors You need to choose one or more executors to

If you are named as an executor in the Will of someone who has died, you will be responsible for winding up their estate. We look at some of the issues you need to be aware of before you start dealing with the administration. If, for any reason, you do not want to take on

With large numbers of parents deciding to have children outside of marriage or civil partnership, we look at the legal concerns you need to be aware of.  From financial issues to deciding what surname to give your child, you will have different matters to consider than a married parent. Understanding your options will allow you

After a death, the deceased’s personal representatives, either executors or administrators, are responsible for winding up their affairs. This is a complex task and generally time-consuming. A probate solicitor can take on the estate administration and deal with matters on behalf of the personal representatives.  If you are considering using a probate solicitor, you will

If you are going through a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you may be able to reach agreement on matters with your former partner without the need for litigation. Your solicitor will put the terms of the agreement into a draft consent order. This is then sent to the court for approval.

When someone makes a Will, in order for it to be valid they must have testamentary capacity. This means that they must understand the implications of making the Will. We look at the details and what to do if you believe that someone did not have the mental ability to make a valid Will. It