Having a friend suddenly die on you can put your mind in a spin. You have a horde of things to do ranging from calling the family doctor and arranging a death certificate, to contacting a funeral director to make arrangements. Moreover, you may find yourself in the … [Read more...]
I’m in a Panic I Can’t Find My Late Partner’s Will
You can be between a rock and hard place if your partner did not leave a will, even though you lived together for twenty years and shared expenses. That’s because the UK probate system only recognizes relationships confirmed in a marriage or civil partnership. Otherwise … [Read more...]
Digital Hoarding a New Compulsion in Cyberspace
Digital Hoarding (AKA e-hoarding or cyber-hoarding) is an excessive tendency to acquire electronic material, and a reluctance to delete it when it is no useful to us. This digital clutter in a growing phenomenon in pop culture, although the medical profession fails … [Read more...]
Hoarding Linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects children, teens, and may even continue into adulthood. WebMD defines people with the condition as “hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention,” the website … [Read more...]
A Guide to Probate When the Deceased Was Domiciled Abroad
Over 5 million people may have left the UK to enjoy warmer weather. Therefore it’s become increasingly likely for them to have assets in one country and live in another, Cases where two (or more) countries are involved can become complex, especially where … [Read more...]
A Bad Apple Almost Robs a Family of Their Past
It was once fashionable for people to leave their ‘earthly possessions’ to the fortunate few. Presumably this was since their wealth in the ‘heavenly realms’ did not have title deeds for solicitors to transfer. The digital era has re-awakened the debate regarding … [Read more...]
Wills, Probate and Common Pitfalls in the UK
The UK probate system to open to abuse. That's because it relies on a somewhat old-fashioned assumption that people will do the right thing. This may have worked when little old ladies watched the world pass by through lace curtains. Nowadays of course these social … [Read more...]
My Husband Died Without a Will. What Must I Do Next
As a general rule of thumb you can’t just jump in and do what you believe is best. A deceased person’s estate (possessions) must first pay off their debts. The balance should be distributed (shared) according their wishes. It helps if they have a will of course. … [Read more...]
Ancient Beginnings of Probate in England
Before the Norman Conquest the clergy were so embedded in government they co-managed secular courts with judges. After William conquered Britain he separated the powers. However, the priests kept control of testamentary succession including freehold property and … [Read more...]
Does an Obsession with Tidiness Make a Clutterer Happier?
Marie Kondo, born 1984 in Tokyo Japan may have been a bit of a pain when she was growing up. Her Wikipedia page reveals she used to arrive early at school to tidy up the bookshelves in the classroom while her classmates were playing outside. "I was obsessed with what … [Read more...]
