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...]
Does an Obsession with Tidiness Make a Clutterer Happier?
Marie Kondo, born 1984 in Tokyo Japan may have been a bit of a pain when she was growing up. Her Wikipedia page reveals she used to arrive early at school to tidy up the bookshelves in the classroom while her classmates were playing outside. "I was obsessed with what … [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...]
Retail’s Plastic Mountain Syndrome
Outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May recently raised the possibility of increasing the plastic bag charge in England from 5p to 10p before she bows out. If this happens, this may prove a significant proposal, given the impact of the first plastic bag tax – please read … [Read more...]
There Could Be More to Hoarding Than You Think
There’s more to hoarding than most people think who watch television sitcoms of people clearing houses. Hoarding disorder is far from being a comedy show. It is a serious affliction that may affect people living down your street, or even the folk at work you think you … [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...]
A Hoarder Named Judy Comes Out the Closet
An Australian lady named Judy Nicholas had an achingly deprived childhood it’s hard to come to terms with. She had to take her baths out the back in the open until she was twelve. Things improved after her parents separated, and she had her own bedroom under her … [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...]
