Probate, Inheritance and Winding Up a Family Estate
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Most people can deal with the winding up of the affairs of a loved one or family member themselves these days rather than using a solicitor. Obtaining probate and administering a family estate is not difficult and well within the capabilities of most people. All that is required is common sense, time and organization together with some professional guidance which this book will provide. If you can write letters, do basic sums, are well organized and can keep accurate records, there’s really no need to spend thousands of pounds on professional assistance. Indeed, the majority of probate applications these days came from people doing a ‘DIY’ administration of an estate as the cost of employing a solicitor to carry out the administration is heavy and can only be justified in complicated and high-value estates. DIY probate can save you a fortune.
This book is a step by step guide to all that a person who has been appointed as the executor of an estate is likely to need to know. It deals with the first steps when someone has died through the need for a grant of probate to obtaining the grant, paying debts and calling in and distributing the estate. It is written in everyday language and will give an executor the knowledge and confidence required to carry out their duties and completing the administration of a straightforward estate.
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INTRODUCTION
This isn’t just a book explaining how to bring a small claim in the small claims court. There are many books and guides which show you how to do this. This book is about winning a case in the small claims court. Its purpose is to give you all that you need to successfully bring or defend a small claim.
The idea behind small claims is that small money claims should be dealt with informally by those involved, and without the need for the involvement of lawyers. The small claims court was set up to provide a simple and informal method of resolving disputes, without incurring heavy legal costs. The key words are ‘no fuss, no costs, and no appeal’. It is intended for and directed towards litigants in person.
Many of the rules which apply to other civil cases are either relaxed or not applied. In particular, the strict rules of evidence are not enforced, and disputes are decided by a district judge, with all the parties usually sitting around a table in his private room. The joy of the small claims court is that the disadvantage of the small man (or woman) who cannot afford to pay for legal representation against a large business who can is reversed.
This is all very good and fine but it presents hidden dangers. The relaxed informal procedures of a small claim may open up the courts to litigants in person (for that is what you will be considered), but cases will still be decided on the same principles as a multi-million-pound dispute in the High Court. The rules of evidence may be relaxed but cases will still turn on who is believed. The procedure to bring or defend a claim may be simplified, but it is the litigant who presents a well-prepared case who is more likely to be believed and therefore succeed. However good your case, if you present it in a half-cocked way you are not likely to win in the small claims court any more than anywhere else. Cases are won here just as much by careful preparation and good presentation as in any other court.
You are going to need a basic understanding of the law which relates to your case and an understanding of court procedure. A defendant needs to understand this, just as much as a claimant. The key is effective preparation, which will also give you the confidence needed to win by presenting your case effectively at trial.
The purpose of this book is to show you how to overcome these dangers and turn them upon your opponent. You have to not just prepare your case for court, but to prepare it in such a way that when it is looked at by a busy judge, what you are saying is immediately clear and puts you in his good books. Cases are decided on the evidence presented to the court, and the evidence you present must be compelling and directed at the legal issues relevant to your case. The court has a duty to ensure a level playing field, but some playing fields are more level than others. Yours must on all accounts be superior.
Just as important as knowing how and when to bring a small claim is to know when not to bring it and the alternatives. Even if you have a good case, there is no point if, at the end, you are not going to get your money. Also, what is unfortunately certain is that bringing a case will take up your time, and if you are a claimant there will be court costs to pay. You need to be certain that the time and money you spend on your case will be justified.
Below you will find all that you need to know to bring or defend a small claim in the county courts of England and Wales. It can be your guide at every step of the way, from deciding whether you have a case worth bringing or defending to presenting your case and enforcing a judgement. As you work through each section, there are hints and tips from experienced lawyers, who had conducted countless cases over the years. Should you still have questions having read the book, further help is available.
Contd.
Contents
Introduction 6
Chapter 1. The nature of a small claim 8
Small claims costs 9
Chapter 2. Is the small claims court for me? 12
Chapter 3. Alternative dispute resolution methods 13
Negotiation 13
Mediation 14
Arbitration 15
Expert determination 16
Chapter 4. Is it going to be worth it? 17
Will you get paid if you win? 17
Chapter 5. Pre-action protocol 19
Letters before action 19
Chapter 6. Preparing your claim 21
The parties to a claim 21
The particulars (or statement) of claim 22
How much can you claim? 24
Interest 25
Chapter 7. Issuing your claim 27
Money claim online 27
Court fees 29
Hearing fees 30
Chapter 8. After issue 31
The allocation questionnaire 31
Chapter 9. Early judgement 34
Summary judgement 35
Striking out 36
Admissions, counterclaims and set-offs 37
Chapter 10. Defending a claim 38
Chapter 11. Case management 40
Directions 40
Disclosure 41
Requests for further information 42
Chapter 12. Proving your case 44
Witnesses 44
Expert evidence 45
Case law and legal precedent 47
Chapter 13. The hearing 48
Before the judge 50
McKenzie friends 54
Chapter 14. Appeals and re-hearings 57
Chapter 15. Enforcing judgement 59
Orders to obtain information (oral examination) 59
Warrant of control 60
Attachment of earnings orders 61
Third-party charging orders 63
Charging orders 63
Statutory demands 65
Chapter 16. Claims in contract 66
Misrepresentation 66
Chapter 17. Sale of goods 68
Chapter 18. Professional negligence 70
Chapter 19. Claims in tort 71
Negligence 71
Nuisance 71
Personal injury claims 72
Occupiers’ liability 74
Chapter 20. Particular claims 75
Contractual disputes 75
Claims for an unpaid bill 75
Repayment of a loan 77
Claims for faulty goods 77
Claims for defective services 78
Building disputes 79
Motor vehicle repair claims 80
Motor vehicle purchase claims 80
Disputes between landlords and tenants 81
Appendix. Example claims 82
Claim against a builder for unfinished work 82
Claim in negligence against a builder 82
Claim against a motor dealer for a defective vehicle sold 83
Claim against a private individual for sale of a defective vehicle 83
Claim against a retailer for faulty goods 84
Claim for money loaned 85
Claim for damages resulting from a motor accident 86
Application to set aside a default judgement 87
Application for summary judgement 87
Further help 89
