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...]
Probate Solicitor ‘Borrows Money’ to Keep Practice Afloat
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates solicitors in England and Wales. These mostly toe the line it lays down. If they don’t the SRA keeps no prisoners. Take the case of a sole probate practitioner in York who ‘borrowed money’ to keep his practice … [Read more...]
Are UK Probate Delays Manipulative? Not an Easy Call
We’re not making direct insinuations because we don’t have hard evidence to hand. However, one way to find the reason for an unexpected change is to ask who benefits. The Express romped in with the banner headline on May 8, 2019, ‘Probate delay: Bereaved families … [Read more...]
Three Ways Executors Get into Trouble with Probate Law
Being an executor of an estate is a serious responsibility. It should not be taken on lightly, especially if you don’t fully understand the law. That because estate beneficiaries could sue you if they end up being out of pocket. We have heard of cases where quite large … [Read more...]
Abuse of Privilege When a Beneficiary Robs an Estate
When a person makes a will before they die, they trust that someone will implement it according to their wishes. Unfortunately, these things are not as sacred as they were decades ago, if they were ever. Therefore, they would probably protect their interests best if … [Read more...]
