Diogenes the Cynic was a disruptive Greek philosopher who was aged about 89 when he died in the 3rd century before the current era. He was no respecter of wealth or power. When Alexander the Great visited him, he refused to get up off the ground to greet him. One of the … [Read more...]
Self-Isolating for Covid-19 a Perspective on Compulsive Hoarding
Self-isolating for Covid-19 - and perhaps working from home - gives a fresh perspective of what it means to be caught in a bubble of time. The world beyond becomes less relevant, until we no longer feel like contacting friends. Our own private rituals become more … [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...]
Social Prescribing Could Help Relieve Hoarders’ Anxiety and Depression
Social prescribing returns patients to the community temporarily or permanently. Research has shown this improves their health and sense of wellbeing. The idea has taken root in NHS organizations in the UK. That’s because it helps manage the rise in healthcare costs, … [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...]
Information for Friends and Families of Compulsive Hoarders
What follows is the best available information from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We pass it on as informal, non-medical description. Always speak to a specialist provider if you are concerned that you, or someone you know displays any worrying symptoms. 1… … [Read more...]
The Potential Effects of Hoarding Disorder on Families
A report in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 21, Issue 6 brought the impact on families into sharp relief. The research team spent a year collecting data before they revealed three underlying themes of deteriorating quality of life, shattered … [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...]
