Contesting a Will
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Intestacy. Who inherits when there is no will
If you die without making a will, your estate will pass and  be administered according to the intestacy rules, which decide who gets what rather than you. These rules are set out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925, which was amended by the Inheritance and...
What is probate?
When a person dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, property and possessions left) by collecting in all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those people entitled to it. The term 'probate' means the issuing of a legal document...
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney were created by the Mental Health Act 2005 and came into effect from October 2007. A Lasting Power Of Attorney unlike a general power remains effective even if the donor loses his or her mental capacity. There are two types and separate...
I’m dying and when I’m gone everything is yours
To pass on your estate when you die you must make a Will which must be properly executed. It has to be written, dated and signed in the presence of witnesses. The Law is quite clear in that. Sometimes however a person facing imminent death may not have made a Will or...
Joint and Mutual Wills. Pros and Cons.
What is a joint Will A joint Will is a single Will made by two people which deals with the estates of both of them. Usually it will leave everything to the other on the first death and then to agreed beneficiaries on the death of the survivor. Mutual or...
Who Can Decide Where You End Up?
Most people when making their will include a statement of their wishes as to what they would like to be done with their 'mortal remains'. They might say that they wish to be buried, cremated, or even sometimes buried at sea or to have their ashes scattered at a...
When to Change Your Will
It's time to write a new will if you're experiencing a big change in your life, such as moving, getting married or divorced, moving in with a new partner, or bringing a new baby into the family. Your will should be tailored to your current family and financial...
Unclaimed Assets
At a conservative estimate, there is around £15 billion of assets left in the estates of deceased people which remains unclaimed. There may be a number of reasons for this and why it has not been possible for money to be paid to those entitled under a Will. Amongst...
Loss of a Partner. Who Can Claim?
Nasty shocks can be in store for cohabitees when one of the partners dies without making a will. The late partner’s estate will not automatically pass to them in the absence of a will made in favour of the survivor. The rules of intestacy will be applied, which will...
Help for Those Who Cannot Help Themselves
What would happen if you became unable to understand and deal with your business and financial affairs through ill-health or incapacity? How would you know that someone could be appointed to step in and manage your affairs for you? Who is there to protect and promote...
Delay in Inheritance Act Applications
The Inheritance Act (or the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, to give it its full title) was passed to help spouses, children, civil partners, cohabitees and other surviving dependents who have been left to cope without sufficient money to...
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is simply a written confirmation of an agreed arrangement in which one person ('the donor') gives another person ('the attorney') authority to act on their behalf and in their name. The power of attorney confers upon the attorney an authority to do...