Let’s face it; two things are true in probate. The first of them is brothers and sisters often drift apart as they grow up and develop their own personalities and values. And the second truth is our daughters and sons are going to share tense moments over what they do … [Read more...]
There Can Be Good Reasons for Creating a Family Trust
The UK probate system is complex, some of our visitors say far too complex. It can take months to locate a will, validate it, and get letters of probate or administration from the UK government. During this period, and sometimes afterwards the deceased’s bank … [Read more...]
Closing Out the Financial Affairs of Someone Who Died
Someone has to close out a deceased estate, after a suitable period of grieving and coming to terms with what happened. That’s because the assets and bank accounts lock up, but there bills to pay and perhaps insurance pay-outs pending to cover them. If this sad task … [Read more...]
How Much Can I Expect my Estate to Pay for Probate?
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...]
