I don’t usually travel as far away as Walsall northwest of Birmingham, but I had my reasons in this case. This was because I wanted to visit a street in Short Heath where there was a particularly interesting collection. Beyond that I thought I had seen everything until … [Read more...]
How to Apply for Probate in England and Wales
Almost every person who dies in England or Wales leaves possessions behind. Probate law protects their interests, and seeks to allocate those resources as they would have wished. If you are a close relative or beneficiary you may like to help in these circumstances. … [Read more...]
England’s Ambitious Waste Plan by Jeffrey Avery
England has an ambitious blueprint to turn the tide on pollution by 2050. We would have liked to see this happen sooner, but at least we are rowing in the right direction. Greater London is particularly taking strain in places like Beckenham and Mitcham. Let’s explore … [Read more...]
How and Why to Place a Deceased Estate Notice
After a person dies they leave an estate behind them. This is a legal term for their property, possessions, investments, creditors, and other obligations. Although estate originally meant any land and buildings they owned. A deceased estate notice begins the process of … [Read more...]
Some Reasons Why We May Collect Things
My well-thumbed Oxford dictionary says ‘collecting’ is ‘bringing things together from different places or people’. Therefore the activity could be as old as humanity, even dating before our ancestor hunter-gatherer days. I can understand why early humans created … [Read more...]
Is UK Fly Tipping the New Narcotic of Crime?
I’m sad to have to say it, but the government’s attempts to curb UK fly tipping seem to be slipping like car wheels in a muddy lane. Innocent customers face fines up to £400 if their household waste gets dumped somewhere, while perpetrators continue as if there is no … [Read more...]
Your Next of Kin Is Not De Facto Your Custodian
A next of kin has no legal status in Britain to make decisions on behalf of another, whether disabled or deceased. Yet how often don’t we hear people saying ‘So-and-so is my next of kin. They’ll take of my affairs when I am gone.’ However, the truth is your next of kin … [Read more...]
Professional Chattels Valuations for “Fixtures and Fittings” in a House Purchase
We regularly carry out highly specialised professional chattels valuations for purchasers and conveyancing. However, please be aware of possible questions from HMRC by reading the following information and advice and HMRC definitions. Speak to Jeffrey Avery for expert … [Read more...]
How to Value a House and Contents for Probate
A deceased estate must be valued for inheritance tax purposes before there can be any question of dividing up the assets. This article explains how to value a house, and contents because these often make up a significant part of any estate. It is worth mentioning … [Read more...]
Fly Tipping in Surrey Increases Astronomically
Surrey really is set in the heart of the Home Counties. No wonder the Romans were in such a rush to send the Atrebates tribe packing. Although they too had crossed the Channel a decade earlier to settle in oak woods surrounding a river. They may not have been the … [Read more...]
