Choosing the Right Will Solicitors in the UK
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are followed after your death. A will is a legally binding document that outlines how your assets should be distributed, who should take care of your minor children, and other final wishes you […]
Probate Solicitors: Your Complete Guide
Probate solicitors are specialist legal professionals who assist with the administration of a deceased person’s estate. The probate process can be legally complex and emotionally challenging, especially for those who are grieving. Probate solicitors play a crucial role by helping executors and beneficiaries deal with the legal probate process, ensuring that the deceased’s assets are […]
Codicil: Changing Your Will
If you decide to make small changes to your existing will, adding a codicil to your will may prove to be a cheaper and more straightforward option than having a completely new will drawn up. What is a codicil? A codicil is a legal document which states any changes you wish to make […]
Executor Not Communicating With Beneficiaries?
An executor not communicating with beneficiaries following the death of a loved one can often feel alarming, creating unnecessary angst during an already emotionally difficult time. It can therefore be useful, from the perspective of the beneficiaries, to know how best to approach this and what can be done to resolve any issues, where necessary. […]
Making a Claim Against an Estate after Distribution
Once a deceased’s estate has been distributed to the beneficiaries, it is often too late to assert any right to that estate. However, even though there are time limits for making a claim against an estate, the court can still exercise some discretion if a claim is brought out of time. It may also be […]
Contesting A Will (A Complete Guide!)
If you are considering contesting a will, there will be a number of questions to ask about the process, the costs and whether you in fact have the right to bring a legal challenge. In all cases, you will need to act quickly as strict time limits apply and the more time that passes, the […]
Assent of Property to Transfer Ownership
An assent of property is the transfer of legal ownership of property or land by the personal representative(s) of the estate of someone who has died to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. Unlike transfers under the conveyancing process, there is no sale or purchase price under an assent. This is because an assent only applies where […]
Making a Will? (What You Need to Consider!)
Making a will allows you to exert control over what happens to your assets after you die. In addition to specifying who will benefit from your estate, the will also enables you to make inheritance decisions fully informed of the taxation and related implications of your final will. Dying without a will leaves your estate […]
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of settling the estate and affairs of a deceased individual. This typically requires the executor to notify the relevant authorities and organisations of the individual’s death, to settle any outstanding debts, and to distribute and transfer the remainder of the estate in accordance with the deceased’s wishes. Where there is […]
Wills and Probate (What you need to know?)
Having the foresight to prepare your will and probate (if relevant) will protect your family and yourself from any heartache in the future. It will ensure you have peace of mind now that your affairs will be dealt according to your wishes and in your best interests by those who you trust. Once you have […]
What is Power of Attorney
Lacking the ability to make decisions and losing your independence are difficult enough to contemplate either for yourself, close family or friends. What if someone else will be managing your affairs when you die which is not in your best interests? Learn how a Power of Attorney can protect your family and yourself before it’s […]
What are Letters of Administration?
To enable you to handle the financial affairs of a close relative following their death, you may need to apply for Letters of Administration. The Grant of Representation: Probate or Letters of Administration? A ‘Grant of Representation’ is the official document proving your legal entitlement to deal with the estate of someone who has died. […]
What is an Executor of a Will?
An executor of a will is appointed to handle an individual’s estate after they die. The ‘estate’ covers all of the deceased’s assets or belongings – money, property, possessions, and even debts. When a friend or family member asks you to be the executor (known as ‘executor nominate’ in Scotland) of their will, it will […]
Dying Intestate – What Does it Mean?
Dying intestate is when an individual dies without leaving a valid will in which they are then deemed to have died ‘intestate’. Their estate is therefore distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy. Where the deceased has surviving family members, under the intestacy rules the process of claiming inheritance from the deceased’s estate can […]
How to Make a Will
Discussing what we would like to happen after we die is a conversation that most of us would rather defer. Yet making a will is essential if you want to ensure that your wishes are met following your death. If you die without making a will or leaving a valid will, the law will determine […]
Intestacy – A Guide
If a person has died without leaving a valid will, they have died intestate. Their property (the estate) will need to be shared out according to certain rules, called the intestacy rules. The Administration of Estates Act 1925, which sets out who can administer the estate and benefit from it if there is no valid […]
A Guide to Probate
Probate is the legal process of dealing with the estate of someone who has died. The term is used to describe both the grant of probate itself and the process involved in obtaining the grant. Probate is granted when a valid will has been left by the deceased. It’s your responsibility to obtain the grant […]
Grant of Representation: How to Apply Using Form PA1
If you have been named as an executor in someone’s will, you will be responsible for administering their estate after they die. In most cases, before you can even begin to deal with the deceased’s estate, you will need to apply for a grant of representation. Probate is often referred to as the process of […]