The government funds the national administration, and all its services from the tax it collects. There never seems to be enough money to go around. Therefore it takes a final bite out of most estates in the form of probate fees, and inheritance taxes. INHERITANCE … [Read more...]
If the Executor of Your Will Dies What Happens Next?
It’s important to have someone you respect agree to be the executor of your will. That’s because you have an opportunity to discuss your intentions while you are alive, and make sure everything is crystal clear to them. They may even make suggestions where you could … [Read more...]
Probate Caveat – What It Is and What It Does
‘Caveat’ is a Latin word telling the reader to beware of something. And thus we have ‘caveat canem’ beware the dog, ‘caveat emptor’ beware the buyer, and so on. It follows a ‘probate caveat’ says ‘watch out, before applying for a grant of probate or letters of … [Read more...]
Applications for Probate on the Internet Are Still Chaotic
While the higher probate tax is on indefinite hold at least for now, the digital scheme it was supposed to help fund is still chaotic. The Register blew the cover on October 30, 2019, as the disgraceful treatment of mourners continued unabated. That’s because closing … [Read more...]
Valid and Invalid Wills – The Pitfalls to Avoid
Wills are called ‘last testaments’ for good reason. That’s because once we die, there is nothing we can do to change them from ‘the other side’. We tackle the question of what makes a will invalid today. Or put differently, how to make sure we leave a valid will. For … [Read more...]
A Quick Guide to The Ins and Outs of Probate
In the first instance probate refers to the process of validating a will, and officially appointing an executor to implement it. However, it also includes distributing the assets in the estate to the heirs according to those wishes. The Probate court confirms the … [Read more...]
Unusual Wills in Wales and England the Law May Allow
Many solicitors in Wales and England will say a will is only valid if (a) it is in writing, and (b) the person signed it, or another person in their presence acting under their directions. Finally, the signature must also be attested by two witnesses who are both … [Read more...]
New Probate Fee Dropped Is This a Public Victory?
We were delighted to see Justice Secretary Robert Buckland give up on the idea of a scaled probate fee. The current administration had been pushing for the thinly-disguised stealth tax since 2016, and was facing a mounting wave of opposition. The top-end fee was … [Read more...]
Can a Deathbed Gift Override the Rules of Intestacy?
Picture the scene of a person receiving their last rites, as physicians confirm they will pass away soon. Relatives gather around the deathbed paying their last respects. A stranger enters, rushes forward, and whispers something. The dying person’s eyes open and they … [Read more...]
How to Renounce the Executorship of a Will You Don’t Want
It may sound irresponsible to many, but a surprising number of executors don’t know they are nominated in wills. Until, that is they discover they are lumped with the task of finalizing the estate, and distributing the assets as the will dictates. They may find … [Read more...]
