What Happens if an Executor Dies?

The unexpected death of an executor can introduce a significant level of stress and emotional burden into the probate process, particularly during an already emotionally challenging time. However, what happens if an executor dies, including when the death occurs, can significantly impact how the estate is managed moving forward. Understanding the Administration of Estates Act […]

Navigating Probate Delays

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time, and the legal process of probate can add an extra layer of stress. Probate, the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can often be long and complicated, leading to unwelcome delays during an already emotionally challenging period. Although there have been some improvements, […]

Safeguarding Your Investment by Extending Your Lease

Leasehold properties are a common form of home ownership in the UK, especially for flats and apartments. However, a lease has a fixed term, and as this term gets shorter, the property’s value may decrease. This is where lease extensions come into play, allowing leaseholders to extend their ownership rights and safeguard their investments. Benefits […]

Disinherited Granddaughters Face Hefty Legal Bill

Frederick Ward’s five granddaughters, disinherited in his will, now face a large legal bill after losing their High Court case, Gowing v Ward. They had claimed undue influence, alleging their grandfather was coerced into disinheriting them after their father’s death. Unravelling the Dispute Frederick Ward’s estate became a point of contention after he made a […]

How Revoking Your Will Can Affect You

Your Will is a vital document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you pass away. But life circumstances change, and what you wanted ten years ago might reflect something other than your current priorities. In such cases, consider revoking or destroying your existing Will. When Should You Revoke or Destroy […]

Building Societies Step Up to Aid Victims of Philips Trust Collapse

The collapse of Philips Trust Corporation (PTC) in 2022 sent shockwaves through the financial lives of thousands of building society customers. PTC, responsible for managing numerous trusts holding assets totalling £138 million, fell into administration amidst allegations of mismanagement, leaving over 2,300 individuals facing the devastating loss of their life savings. However, several building societies […]

Critical Steps for a Smooth Property Transaction

Buying or selling a house is a significant milestone filled with excitement. However, there are often potential legal complications with any property transaction. Luckily, there are steps you can take to smooth the process – whether you’re the buyer or the seller. Critical Steps for a Seamless Deal For Buyers With mortgage pre-approval, a process […]

Choosing the Right Executor

It’s Not Just About an Executor’s Skills When you write a Will, selecting an executor is one of the most critical decisions. This person has the crucial responsibility of overseeing the administration of your estate after your death. While competence is essential, other qualities matter a great deal when choosing your executor. What An Executor […]

Court of Appeal Finds No Undue Influence in Will Dispute

Inheriting after someone close to you has died can be a bittersweet experience. However, when the terms of a Will seem unfair or unexpected, suspicions of undue influence may arise. Undue influence is when someone pressures or manipulates the individual into making a Will and leaving their assets in a specific (often unexpected) way. However, […]

Using Life Interest Trusts to Safeguard Your Legacy

Ensuring your wishes are carried out after you’re gone can be tricky, especially for blended families. But using life interest trusts can safeguard your legacy. So, consider them alongside other potential strategies, such as lifetime gifts, but seek professional advice to ensure the trust functions as intended. Creating Life Interest Trusts A life interest trust […]

Understanding Statutory Wills

Will is a cornerstone of estate planning. It ensures your chosen executor carries out your wishes after you die. But what happens when someone lacks the mental capacity to create or change a Will? In these circumstances, someone can apply to make a Will (or statutory Will) on behalf of someone else. Their Function In […]

What Happens When a Beneficiary Can’t Be Found?

The smooth administration of an estate hinges on identifying and distributing assets to rightful beneficiaries. But what happens when a beneficiary can’t be found? In England and Wales, there’s a legal framework for handling situations like this. This ensures a fair outcome for missing beneficiaries and the estate. Due Diligence is Key When Tracing Beneficiaries […]

Selling Smart: What You Must Disclose When Selling Your Property

Selling a home is exciting, but the process can feel overwhelming. Between cleaning, decluttering, viewings, and navigating the legal hurdles, it’s easy to forget some crucial steps. One aspect that’s often overlooked is disclosure. Understanding what you must disclose (legally) when you sell your home is vital. Not only does it protect you from potentially […]

The Importance of Side Documents Alongside a Will

Memoranda of Wishes, Letters of Guidance and Side Letters sit alongside a Will. These side documents guide executors, trustees, and those managing an estate or trust after death. While they are not substitutes for making a Will, they are valuable. They give you a voice after death that even a properly prepared, structured Will may […]

Is The Will a Forgery?

Disputing a Will because you believe the Will is a forgery takes a lot of work. Challenges are often made based on lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence or lack of knowledge and approval. But contesting a Will based purely on forgery is less common, even if there’s a genuine concern. You may think you […]

Probate Can Be Tricky, So Make Your Executor’s Job Easier

None of us can know what tomorrow will bring. However, those who plan for what happens after they die typically rest much easier at night. Administering a person’s estate after they die (known as probate) can be tricky and costly, especially if things aren’t carefully organised beforehand. So, make your probate run smoothly and your […]

Make A Will This New Year, But Avoid ‘Cowboy Will Makers’

Writing a Will is not a regulated service. This has led to many disreputable – or ‘cowboy’ companies springing up on the web. However, in most cases, a price that looks too good to be true is often just that. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to make a Will, avoid ‘Cowboy Will […]

What to Do When Someone Dies

We know that the death of a loved one is very traumatic for families. As well as dealing with the loss, it’s tough to think about practicalities and even harder to know who is responsible for what. So here are a few pointers to help you understand what to do when someone dies. Registering the […]

Why You Need a Will if You’re Cohabiting

Marriage continues to decline in the UK, with more unmarried couples buying houses together than ever. So, amid rising costs, it’s little wonder that many first-time buyers opt to cohabit before they tie the knot. But ignoring the legal implications could be financially disastrous. Despite the trend for living together, the law hasn’t caught up […]

Understanding The Process of Buying a House

Understanding the process of buying a house, especially when it’s your first time, is far from easy. It can seem long-winded and shrouded in legal jargon. So, if you can get your head around buying a house, you’re less likely to be surprised. It might even become a pleasurable experience. So, what’s first? 1. Mortgage […]

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