Inheritance tax is a toll the UK government levies on deceased estates within its ambit. An executor, or another responsible person is legally obliged to make a full and honest account. Should they fail to do so, and the government is out of pocket then it could hold … [Read more...]
Offshore Estate with UK Assets? Resealing a Foreign Probate Grant
If you are closing out an overseas estate with UK assets, you may find it a real bind sorting things out between two governments. However, you may be in luck if the overseas country features in the archaic United Kingdom Colonial Probates Acts. These laws date from the … [Read more...]
Making a Will – Is It a DIY Job in England and Wales?
Making a will is a smart thing to do if you want to save your survivors time and trouble. And perhaps, depending on your circumstances make sure your executor knows who you would like to inherit your wealth. It also provides an opportunity to legally manage any estate … [Read more...]
Valuing and Clearing a Hoarded House for Probate
Probate is a legal term derived from the Latin word ‘probatum’ meaning something proved. Nowadays we use it in the sense of winding up a deceased estate. And incidentally clearing a hoarded house as may be needed too. The probate process includes identifying the … [Read more...]
Probate Valuation Of Hoarders House Contents In Highgate
Probate Valuation Of Hoarded House In Highgate Even a hoarded house will have house contents that need to be valued so we cant just assume because the house is cluttered and needs a serious “hoarder house clearance” the items within have no value. On the contrary more … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Probate Value and Market Value?
Probate is a legal process that has to be carried out at what can be a very distressing time. It can be tempting to simply “get it done” as quickly as possible. This offer the best chance to close the chapter and carry on with life. But it is important to take the … [Read more...]
How Covid-19 Affects the Way We Do Our Probate Work
The coronavirus is affecting all of us, and it’s becoming evident it will be with us for a while. We have refined our health and safety policy so we can continue delivering exemplary service. Many of our clients are unaware how Covid-19 affects the way we do our … [Read more...]
Where to Hold Proceedings in a Cross-Border Estate
Contentious probate disputes may arise regarding the appropriate forum to rule on a will. This is especially the case where a will was made abroad, but covers the distribution of property in the United Kingdom. The deceased’s domicile often plays a role in a decision, … [Read more...]
How to Value House Contents for Probate
Once someone has passed away, the executor of that person’s estate needs to get hold of a “Grant of Representation”. This document gives them the legal right to deal with the estate. To do this, however, the entire estate has to be properly valued, including the … [Read more...]
How to D.I.Y. and Do Probate Yourself
It’s not the nicest thing in the world, but many of us will help sort out a deceased estate at some time in our lives. We prepared this article to open a window into the world of probate, which is what lawyers call paying debts and sharing proceeds with the … [Read more...]
