This may seem a strange question but then probate has lots of unusual twists and turns. Let’s imagine a case - just for example - where two oldies became an item in a retirement home. While this may seem somewhat strange to youngsters, the fire of love often burns … [Read more...]
I am Next of Kin, But What Are My Rights?
There is no legal definition of what a next of kin is in Britain. Hence we generally believe what people say which is not always accurate. Moreover, being a next of kin does not guarantee your right to manage your late partner’s estate. If this sounds confusing as it … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Contesting a Will in Probate Court
The probate court is a special division managing the estates of deceased persons. In most cases it approves an executor and checks they are following the wishes of the departed. From time to time somebody disagrees with what the will says, or how the executor … [Read more...]
Claudia’s Law Brings Some Relief to Heartbroken Relatives
After a loved one goes missing, their financial affairs roll on. Utilities must still be paid or there is a chance they might lose their home. After a storm breaks a windowpane, someone must to repair it. However the missing person’s bank cannot compensate them because … [Read more...]
The Big ‘Probate Mystery’ Unravelled
Probate has cropped up in the UK news lately, what with the government changing the system and having computer problems implementing it. Brexit has been a huge distraction too. The polemic over probate fees is still not solved although the overall rules haven’t changed. … [Read more...]
Probate in the Royal Family Versus Choosing a Guardian
The Sun published a robust article on this controversial topic. We decided to attempt a more balanced version of how the law dictates royals - and the Queen in particular – should respond to a death in their immediate family. This has become more relevant given the … [Read more...]
Probate Contents Valuation-Art Hoard Of 100 Paintings In Epsom Property
Art Hoard Of 100 Paintings In Epsom Property A recent probate contents valuation took me to a property in Epsom, and having taken on the appraisal at short notice I had no idea of the nature of the contents to be valued. After collecting the keys from the probate … [Read more...]
What is Probate and How to Do It in England and Wales?
Probate is an old-fashioned word meaning ‘something proven’, in this case the intentions of a person leaving a will. In fact, much of our UK law around succession has strong overtones to days when marriage was sacrosanct, and the church was responsible for what happened … [Read more...]
An Overview of What Being an Executor Implies
You are legally responsible for the assets of a deceased person if you are appointed the executor of their estate, and there is a legal will. There may be other executors of course, including the solicitor who drafted the will, and the late person’s spouse or trusted … [Read more...]
How Intestacy Rules Apply Where There Is No Will
Intestacy refers to the situation of an estate when the deceased person left no will (or diligent effort failed to find their testament). If there is a will, but it only mentions a few assets then the balance of that estate is intestate too. However, either of … [Read more...]
