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Appointing a law firm as your executor is an option, but it is far from compulsory, as it is sometimes portrayed by law firms to clients. When drafting a will, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your executor. This person or entity will be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are…

In life, we often think of our personal and financial affairs as things we can control and manage ourselves. However, there may come a time when we can no longer make decisions due to illness, injury, or incapacity. In such situations, having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place can ensure that someone you trust…

Probate is a legal process that can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one. It involves validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets according to the deceased’s wishes. While it might seem like a straightforward process, probate can be time-consuming, complicated, and fraught with potential legal and financial…

In English law, a person’s will is an essential expression of their wishes, dictating how their property and assets will be distributed after their death. The principle of testamentary freedom allows individuals to distribute their estate according to their own wishes, free from external pressure or coercion. However, when someone is forced, manipulated, or unduly…

Reaching your 40s often feels like stepping into a pivotal chapter of life. You’re likely juggling a career, managing a home, and raising a family. With these responsibilities come the reality that life is unpredictable. Whilst no one likes to dwell on the thought of their mortality, creating a will is one of the most…

HMRC has recently formally extended the ‘direct payment scheme’. This is the scheme whereby when making a probate application, it is sometimes possible to arrange for organisations holding assets on behalf of the deceased to release funds to HMRC direct to pay inheritance tax, before a grant of probate is issued in the estate. This…