Our Blog
What is wrong with a gift?
David Cameron appears to have received a swathe of criticism over a gift received from his mother soon after his fathers death. Without knowing the full facts it can only be assumed that his mum is trying to take advantage of the 7 year rule whereby her estate is...
The Cost of Probate
Whilst Inheritance Tax has been subjected to additional relief from 2017 there are plans afoot to increase the cost of obtaining probate. Executors of Wills need a grant of probate before dealing with the property, money and possessions of a deceased person. The...
How to lose your home
An article in the latest Mail on Sunday illustrates how you can lose your home by not updating your Will to cover current circumstances. A couple had lived together unmarried for 18 years and owned the house in which they lived as 'Tenants in Common'. The male partner...
A Regular Review
Having written Wills for over a good long period I am now hearing from clients who instructed me years ago. For a whole variety of reasons they need their original Will updated. It can be a change of Executors for example where the originals have died or moved on....
Prevent a Challenge
A recent statement made by a member of the Law Society's Wills and Equity Committee said that 'There are several ways to challenge the validity of a Will, though it is a complex area and shouldn't be undertaken lightly' To prevent such challenges from being...
I already have a Will
The number of times people have said that to me when asked to make a Will. ''I already have one. Made it years ago'' How naïve to think that it covers current circumstances or up to date legislation. Any Will should be reviewed at least every three years to ensure it...
Testate or Intestate—- Your Choice
Few of us, if any, have a choice as to when we die. It is virtually unpredictable. When we die however we will die either testate or intestate. Testate means that we have left instructions, via a Will, as to how our assets are to be distributed after we are gone....
Simon Cowell knows when
It is reported today that Simon Cowell has had a DNA test which tells him when he is going to die. Apparently he is good for another 40 years yet. This will certainly give him time to plan his affairs to ensure the maximum part of his estate will reach his loved ones...