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There are strict rules surrounding Wills and the administration of estates after a death, meaning that relying on some common beliefs could cause problems for your loved ones.   We take a look at some common misconceptions and what the true position is.   My spouse will inherit everything if I die   If you […]

If someone leaves a net estate worth more than £325,000, then Inheritance Tax will need to be calculated and paid.   This is not always a straightforward process and the estate executor or administrator will need to carry out investigations and arrange for professional valuations of any assets worth £1,500 or more.   Valuing an […]

A study by Co-op Legal Services has found that almost half of Brits don’t have a Will in place. Co-op also discussed common myths with respondents, finding widespread confusion over inheritance and estate issues.   The report discovered that 49% of those questioned did not have a Will in place, with 9% saying they did […]

It is sometimes the case that the person named in a Will as the deceased’s executor is unable or unwilling to take on the role.   The task of executor can be complex and time-consuming. It involves identifying and valuing all of the deceased’s estate, calculating and paying Inheritance Tax, obtaining a Grant of Probate, […]

The government has launched a consultation into the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) system, which has been criticised for being slow and hard to use.   The current process is largely paper based, involving the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) processing LPAs amounting to 19 million pieces of paper in 2019/20. The consultation is […]

When someone dies, you may need to contact the Probate Registry. We take a look at the office and the role it plays in estate administration.   The Probate Registry is part of HM Courts and Tribunal Service. It issues legal authority to those dealing with the winding-up of an estate after a death.   […]