A will describes the full and final distribution of the assets of an estate of a deceased person. Once an inheritor receives their portion they can do anything they want with the proceeds. That’s because a person who leaves a will cannot ‘dictate beyond the grave’. … [Read more...]
When Probate Fraud Arises What You Should Do
Tradition has it death and income taxes have the highest probability of striking. Unfortunately, due to human greed probate fraud also scores quite highly. That’s the possibility someone will find a way to circumvent a person’s will, and grab at least a portion for … [Read more...]
How the UK Probate Disaster Muddles On
If the UK probate system were our employee, we would have dismissed it three months ago. If it were a company, its customers would have closed it down. However, it is still stumbling on despite the mess it finds itself in. Government departments seem to soldier on … [Read more...]
Why You May Not Need a Solicitor to Apply for Probate
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...]
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...]
