Losing a family member or a close friend is tough enough, without having to deal with the paperwork. Yet many ordinary people suddenly find themselves appointed as the executor of a deceased person's estate. One of the first legal terms they encounter is ‘probate’. … [Read more...]
Money Property and Possessions in Estates
Dealing with money property and possessions in estates can be frustrating, depending on the complexity of the estate. If the deceased left a will, then their executor can deal with the details. However, if they did not leave a will, then a family member may have to step … [Read more...]
Selling Chattels Without Grant of Probate
We have had several inquiries lately regarding the legality of selling chattels without probate. The arguments are generally along the lines of the last will and testament being the parent document. Whereas the grant of probate simply rubber-stamps the decision, some … [Read more...]
How to Apply for a Grant of Probate on Your Own
Even if a person quite close you passes on, you may still need government permission before you dive in, empty their house, and share out their possessions. That because the administration wants to see fair play. You probably need to get a Grant of Probate, even if … [Read more...]
Applying for Probate What You May Need to Know
A death in the family is a distressing event. It leaves them scrambling for advice regarding what to do with the deceased’s possessions. This is what probate is in England and Wales, although that’s just a legal term for sorting their things out. When someone dies, … [Read more...]
What to Do After a Loved One Dies (Part 3)
This is the third and final post about closing out a loved one’s estate. In our imagination your partner passed away leaving you to tidy up what they left behind. However, our advice is broad-reaching and should apply to almost every estate in the UK, and further … [Read more...]
Why You May Not Need a Solicitor to Apply for Probate
Having a friend suddenly die on you can put your mind in a spin. You have a horde of things to do ranging from calling the family doctor and arranging a death certificate, to contacting a funeral director to make arrangements. Moreover, you may find yourself in … [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...]
Britain’s Clunky Probate Goes Digital Would You Believe?
It’s finally happened, and in our lifetimes according to Hodge, Jones and Allan in North Gower Street, London. Their elegantly sombre building on Bloomsbury Boulevard links Bedford Square and Euston Road, so just perfect for pondering over probate. The Duke of … [Read more...]
5 Stages In Life When You May Need A Will
Think Carefully When Writing Your Will We all want to see our efforts in life yield fruit. Unsurprisingly, we squeeze every ounce of pleasure from the money we earn from the sweat of our brow (or typing) in the case of computer workers). Surprisingly, two thirds of UK … [Read more...]
