When someone passes away, their estate is usually administered in accordance with their Will or, when there is no Will, the rules of intestacy. However, disputes can arise, particularly in circumstances where family relationships are complex, expectations differ, and emotions are understandably heightened following a [...]
Blended families are increasingly common, and with them come unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Relationships may be more complex, and the way assets are shared often requires careful thought. Drafting a Will within a blended family context, therefore, calls for a delicate [...]
When it comes to inheritance, there may be financial opportunity, but emotions can run high, and the process can soon become confusing. Whether you're receiving a family home, bank accounts, investments, or personal belongings, it’s essential to understand the legal, tax, and financial implications. To [...]
Imagine a person passes away, leaving behind their home, but no spouse, children or relatives to claim it. Who does it then belong to? It’s a question perhaps people don’t often think about until it directly affects them. The answer lies in a specific legal [...]
A recent article by Today’s Wills and Probate reported that a recent freedom of information request from HM Courts & Tribunals Service showed that there has been a significant increase in applications to block probate over the last 15 years. Focusing on data collected from [...]
We’ve all probably heard a tale or two about predatory marriages, whether through the news or even perhaps someone you know where a vulnerable adult, often elderly or someone suffering from loneliness, isolation or cognitive decline, has been a victim of financial abuse. Typically, the [...]
Many of us have thought about safeguarding our estate and have been planning ways to best minimise inheritance liabilities for our family and loved ones. Whether that includes monetary gifts, transferring property during our lifetime, setting up trusts, or using tax-free allowances. Some people have [...]
Often people associate the necessity of having a Will in place as something to do later in life or at the point where they may own a property, or assets of a more substantial value. This means they may fail to put in place a [...]
When losing a loved one, it is easy to let emotions dictate important decisions when it comes to tying up the deceased’s affairs and this can sometimes cause disputes between family and friends if not everyone agrees, and this is why Executors are appointed. An [...]
It is easy to assume that in the absence of a Will, any assets/inheritance will go to your partner, but this is not necessarily the case. If you haven’t made a Will nominating executors and outlining the beneficiaries you wish to inherit your estate, the [...]
