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Half of Britons have not written a will
Half of British adults don't have a will, according to new research, with many thinking that they don't have the necessary wealth to merit making one. Research has found that more than two fifths of Britons had no concerns about not having a will, while almost one in...
Co-ownership of a property
How do you own your property? And why does it matter when you die? When you buy a home, often you are buying it with someone, and you become co-owners. There are two different ways to actually “own” the property; firstly, would be Joint Tenants, secondly would be...
Witnessing a Will
To be valid a Will must comply with all of the requirements set out below which is found in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. No will is valid unless:- It is in writing and signed by the testator, or by some other person in his presence and by his direction.It appears...
When do we pay inheritance tax?
Most of us want to pass on as much of our estate to our children and grandchildren as we can, rather than have them end up paying 40 per cent inheritance tax. But it is important to note that many people worry unnecessarily about inheritance tax. Your...
So, why is protecting the Will important?
Your Last Will and Testament is as it says on the proverbial tin, the very last wishes you get to express in this world making it an extremely important document to those you leave behind. If your Will can’t be located after your death then your estate may end up...
How much Inheritance Tax is payable on a deceased person’s estate?
When someone dies, their estate – their cumulative assets, money, investments, and possessions – will be passed on to their beneficiaries. These are usually family members but may also include friends and charities. If the deceased has left a Will, the beneficiaries...
Excluding Someone From a Will
While it is an ugly truth, sometimes there are members of a family that have done one thing or another that have earned themselves a place on the list of people clients do not want to benefit from their Will. So, with consideration to the Inheritance (Provision for...
Marriage, Divorce and Separation
It is often misunderstood the effect your marital status can have on your Will, arguably sometimes it is particularly unclear. Maybe you wish to have a better grasp of where you stand and what is going to happen if you should pass away given your marital status. This...
Top Ten Tips For Drafting Your Will
1. Choose your will writer carefully There are many options available for writing your Will including DIY kits and online ‘quick & easy’ Wills but a badly drafted Will could mean the difference between your loved ones getting what you leave for them and not....
I already have an EPA, do I need an LPA?
You may have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in which you have appointed people you know and trust, or a professional, to act as your attorney. This may be to help you manage your affairs now or limited to allow your attorneys to make decisions for you in future...