When you die there is a process consisting of various stages, that needs to take place. Whilst it might seem a little macabre to consider this, it’s worth you and your loved ones understanding the process so that should the worst happen, they know what’s involved and have an understanding of what’s required of them....
Long before the Covid 19 pandemic, probate registry offices were experiencing long delays. Coronavirus has merely exacerbated these delays with short – staffed departments coming under increasing pressure leading to mistakes and yet further delays. This in turn is slowing down the move to digital where applications can be made online. These delays have but...
Whilst any Will can be contested for up to six months following death, having a specialist third party Will writing specialist to help formulate and produce your Will can greatly limit the possibility of a contentious probate, and family feud situation which can be a drawn out affair with high legal costs. An independent Will...
In times gone by, considering an equity release loan had somewhat ‘dubious connotations.’ This is because it often entailed selling your property to a loan provider with often ‘questionable’ results, leading such action to be viewed as an act of financial desperation. However, times have changed. Escalating property values has seen a huge surge in...
If the new Inheritance Tax (IHT) proposals by the ‘All Party Parliamentary Group’ (APPG) go ahead, mums and dads intending to help their children get a ‘foothold’ on the property ladder need to consider carefully how they proceed. As with so many tax reforms that are ‘intended to help us,’ the new IHT proposals are...
Making clear those whom you do not wish to benefit from your estate can be as important as detailing the beneficiaries; particularly when it comes to family members – those most likely to contest a Will. Any Will can be contested and quite often this is by a disgruntled or an estranged, family member. When...
Whilst UK house prices are prone to short term fluctuations, when viewed as a long-term investment, property prices will almost certainly continue increase. This combined with today’s high market values means that, in most cases, a person’s home almost certainly, forms a major part of their estate. Given all this, a Will should be revaluated...
Latest statistics tells us that 45% of retired British people have not discussed Inheritance Tax Planning (IHT). Furthermore, the average age for putting a Will in place is 58. These findings seem incredible when you consider the potential costs that are at stake. IHT is a tax that has a standard rate of 40%, levied...
The Ministry of Justice has published figures that show a 47% increase, on the previous year, of Wills being contested. Recent years have seen a large increase in house prices that have served to drive up personal wealth. This, combined with evermore complex family structures as a result of separations and divorces, are a big...
Presently, there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK with it affecting more people than heart disease. In recognition of ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’ during September, and Alzheimer’s accounting for 60% of dementia cases; this blog outlines the things that need to be considered for those newly diagnosed. Whilst we understand it’s incredibly...
