Posts tagged “Wills”

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Mental capacity: What is it and why do I need it to prepare a Will?

Posted on 23rd March 2023 at 14:31

When ‘mental capacity’ is discussed, we are generally talking about a person’s ability to make informed decisions for themselves.

The Pitfalls of Mirror Wills

Posted on 21st March 2023 at 10:39

A bitesize guide to Inheritance Tax

Posted on 20th March 2023 at 09:49

Inheritance tax is a tax levied on the estate of someone who has died (i.e., property, money and possessions).

Pitfalls of Being a Personal Representative

Posted on 22nd February 2023 at 11:24

Dos and Don’ts of a Letter of Wishes

Posted on 13th December 2022 at 14:32

Cohabiting couples don’t need a Will – right?

Posted on 10th November 2022 at 09:52

So, you live with your partner and have a family together, so when you pass away everything will pass to your partner even though you are unmarried, right?

Wrong! It is a common misconception that cohabiting, unmarried couples have the same rights as married couples whereby everything will automatically pass to their spouse if they die without leaving a Will.

Cohabiting couples are not afforded the same rights as married couples no matter how long-term the relationship has been, and there is no such thing as a ‘common-law marriage’.

The National Will Register – What Is It & How To Use It

Posted on 16th September 2022 at 11:19

You may have made a Will, but what happens if your loved ones are unable to locate it when you die?

If your Will or a copy cannot be found after you die, your estate will be distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules, or in line with an earlier redundant Will, meaning your wishes may not be fulfilled. This may be because your family or loved ones mistakenly believe you did not create one or have cancelled or destroyed it.

You can ensure that you protect your loved ones by registering your Will with Certainty, the National Will register.

DIY? Good for the garden shed but not for your Will

Posted on 15th September 2022 at 10:44

It may seem like a good idea to draft your own Will to avoid incurring solicitors’ fees. However, it is important to understand that this may not be cost-effective in the long run, despite how appealing it may be. After all, you wouldn’t cut your own hair, so why draft your own Will?

Inheritance Tax- How to mitigate your potential exposure by making use of allowances and exemptions

Posted on 22nd August 2022 at 10:54

As the cost-of-living crisis impacts on everyone more and more how do you ensure you leave the maximum amount to your family and loved ones on your death?

Don’t want your Powers of Attorney to last? Here’s what you can do…

Posted on 2nd August 2022 at 09:46

Although they are called ‘Lasting Powers of Attorney’, it is possible to change or end your powers of attorney after they are created, provided you still have the relevant mental capacity. This gives you, the donor, more power to decide who will be responsible for managing your affairs.

Inheritance and Probate Fraud: What it is and what you can do about it

Posted on 28th July 2022 at 15:49

Fraud is not a new thing, however, the digital age seems to have seen an increase in the number and types of scams. The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) estimates the cost of probate fraud to be in the region of £150 million.

Guarding your children’s future

Posted on 20th July 2022 at 15:48

It is important to appoint a guardian in your Will if you have children under the age of 18, even if you are a married couple.