The Smart Way to Buy at a Property Auction

Property auctions can be an exciting and potentially lucrative way to secure your next home or investment property. With the fast pace and unique rules, getting caught up in the Moment and making hasty decisions is easy. However, with the right approach, buying a property at auction can also provide great opportunities. To help you…

Charitable Giving in Your Will

Making a Will isn’t just about distributing assets to family; it’s an opportunity to support causes you care about and leave a meaningful legacy. By including a charitable gift in your Will, you can make a lasting impact on the world while potentially reducing inheritance tax for your loved ones. Making a Difference: Key Considerations…

Sun, Sea, and Succession: Protecting Your Assets Overseas

The allure of overseas property and investments is undeniable. Many people expand their financial horizons beyond national borders, whether it’s a charming villa in Tuscany, a beachfront condo in Florida, or a portfolio of international investments. However, this global outlook also necessitates an international approach to estate planning. Why Your Overseas Assets Need Special Attention…

Your Will, Your Way: Ten Steps to Ensure Your Legacy Lasts

Let’s face it: writing a Will isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s to-do list. It’s easy to put off, assuming we have plenty of time, or it’s simply an uncomfortable topic to confront. Yet, the reality is that over half of UK adults haven’t made a Will, potentially leaving their loved ones in a…

Probate Claims and the Ticking Clock

If you believe someone has unfairly left you out of a Will or you’re dissatisfied with your inheritance, you may have legal options. However, the recent case of James v Scudamore is a stark reminder that acting promptly is crucial in probate claims. Understanding Probate Claims When someone passes away, their estate goes through a…

What Your Dream Home Might Be Hiding

Buying a house is a dream for many, an exciting time and the start of a new chapter for most. However, your dream home could hide many unpleasant surprises beneath the fresh paint and manicured lawn. This is where property searches come in – the unsung heroes of the home-buying process. The Crucial Role of…

Mistakes Executors and Administrators Must Avoid

Losing a loved one is never easy. And when you’re named as the Executor in their Will (or the court appoints you as Administrator if there’s no Will), the burden of settling their estate can feel overwhelming. The responsibilities are significant, and the legal implications are real.  Mistakes during this process can lead to personal…

Equity Release in Retirement

Equity release continues to gain popularity among older UK homeowners, often due to rising property values and the need for additional income in retirement. It allows them to tap into the value (equity) they’ve built up in their homes without selling. But it’s a significant financial decision with legal and financial implications. For instance, it…

Bank of Mum and Dad: A Blessing or Inheritance Curse?

The dream of homeownership is increasingly challenging, prompting many parents to become a “Bank of Mum and Dad” and offer financial support. While generous, these financial gifts can become an inheritance curse, leading to tax issues, family disputes, or resentment among siblings. This impacts not only future inheritance but also emotional well-being and fairness. Presumption…

Can I Keep My Will Secret?

Usually, Wills become public after a Grant of Probate is issued. However, to protect the “dignity and standing” of the late Queen, the High Court ordered Prince Philip’s Will to be kept secret for 90 years. Since then, following the judgment of the President of the Family Division in the case of Prince Philip’s Will,…

What Happens if an Executor Dies?

The unexpected death of an executor can introduce a significant level of stress and emotional burden into the probate process, particularly during an already emotionally challenging time. However, what happens if an executor dies, including when the death occurs, can significantly impact how the estate is managed moving forward. Understanding the Administration of Estates Act…

Navigating Probate Delays

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time, and the legal process of probate can add an extra layer of stress. Probate, the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can often be long and complicated, leading to unwelcome delays during an already emotionally challenging period. Although there have been some improvements,…

Safeguarding Your Investment by Extending Your Lease

Leasehold properties are a common form of home ownership in the UK, especially for flats and apartments. However, a lease has a fixed term, and as this term gets shorter, the property’s value may decrease. This is where lease extensions come into play, allowing leaseholders to extend their ownership rights and safeguard their investments. Benefits…

Disinherited Granddaughters Face Hefty Legal Bill

In a recent High Court ruling, the five granddaughters of Frederick Ward, who were disinherited in their grandfather’s Will, now face a hefty legal bill for the costs of the case. The case, Gowing v Ward, revolved around allegations of undue influence, with the granddaughters claiming that their grandfather was coerced into disinheriting them following…

How Revoking Your Will Can Affect You

Your Will is a vital document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you pass away. But life circumstances change, and what you wanted ten years ago might reflect something other than your current priorities. In such cases, consider revoking or destroying your existing Will. When Should You Revoke or Destroy…

Building Societies Step Up to Aid Victims of Philips Trust Collapse

The collapse of Philips Trust Corporation (PTC) in 2022 sent shockwaves through the financial lives of thousands of building society customers. PTC, responsible for managing numerous trusts holding assets totalling £138 million, fell into administration amidst allegations of mismanagement, leaving over 2,300 individuals facing the devastating loss of their life savings. However, several building societies…

Critical Steps for a Smooth Property Transaction

Buying or selling a house is a significant milestone filled with excitement. However, there are often potential legal complications with any property transaction. Luckily, there are steps you can take to smooth the process – whether you’re the buyer or the seller. Critical Steps for a Seamless Deal For Buyers With mortgage pre-approval, a process…

Choosing the Right Executor

It’s Not Just About an Executor’s Skills When you write a Will, selecting an executor is one of the most critical decisions. This person has the crucial responsibility of overseeing the administration of your estate after your death. While competence is essential, other qualities matter a great deal when choosing your executor. What An Executor…

Court of Appeal Finds No Undue Influence in Will Dispute

Inheriting after someone close to you has died can be a bittersweet experience. However, when the terms of a Will seem unfair or unexpected, suspicions of undue influence may arise. Undue influence is when someone pressures or manipulates the individual into making a Will and leaving their assets in a specific (often unexpected) way. However,…

Using Life Interest Trusts to Safeguard Your Legacy

Ensuring your wishes are carried out after you’re gone can be tricky, especially for blended families. But using life interest trusts can safeguard your legacy. So, consider them alongside other potential strategies, such as lifetime gifts, but seek professional advice to ensure the trust functions as intended. Creating Life Interest Trusts A life interest trust…

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