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...]
How to Apply for a Grant of Probate (And Sort Inheritance Tax)
This is a companion piece to an earlier post ‘How to D.I.Y. and Do Probate Yourself’. We explain two core activities in more detail. Let’s assume someone died, you found their will and it nominates you as executor. You accept the nomination out of affection for … [Read more...]
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Stands By a Vulnerable Client
We place a great deal of trust in a probate attorney administering a deceased estate. There are often many transactions we don’t have time to audit, or perhaps even understand. The biggest problem is we don’t know what to look for. That can leave us open to a breach of … [Read more...]
Four Common Types of Legacies to Consider
There are various types of legacies for testators to consider when deciding on the contents of their wills. Each kind has its own peculiarities and needs carefully thinking through. The four most commonly-found categories are pecuniary legacies, residual legacies, … [Read more...]
Why Accurate Estate Accounts are Essential for Executors
Executors should manage deceased estates as custodians, and implement wills as written regardless of own opinion. That’s because tempers may flare over contentious issues and arguments can become personal. The executor must make detailed notes of money coming in, and … [Read more...]
Protecting the Legal Rights of Children in Wills
Any human being below age 18 falls within the ambit of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child. We summarize the main points by way of introduction, although there is no practical way of protecting these legal rights of children outside of national legislation. … [Read more...]
