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...]
Our Complete Guide to Probate in England and Wales
The term ‘probate’ encompasses the entire process of distributing the assets of a deceased estate. This gives it definitive status and is intended to circumvent squabbles that could take up expensive court time. This article is our complete guide to probate in … [Read more...]
Inheritance Tax in the United Kingdom – A Snapshot
Inheritance tax in the United Kingdom is a levy on someone who inherits from a deceased estate. The UK government deducts it from the estate itself before the proceeds can be distributed. If this is not practical, it may be willing to negotiate. A Brief History of … [Read more...]
What Happens Next if Someone Dies on Holiday Abroad?
The Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic has increased the possibility of a UK resident dying abroad while on holiday. Therefore it’s become more important to know what to do if this happens. It’s bad enough having to deal with bereavement, and continue on despite deep … [Read more...]
My Uncle Left Me £150,000 Can I Demand It Right Away?
Unfortunately you can’t walk into the solicitor’s office, and demand what many people mistakenly believe is their right. Your £150,000 will remain in your uncle’s estate until his will is wound up, and this can take a while. As beneficiary, you have a potential right … [Read more...]
