What Happens to Debts After Death
When someone dies, their financial affairs must be carefully reviewed and administered. Alongside distributing assets to beneficiaries, any outstanding debts must also be addressed. This can cause concern for family members, particularly where the deceased had loans, credit cards, or other financial liabilities. It is important to understand that settling debts is a formal part […]
Can I Leave a Donation in a Will?
Many people want their Will to reflect not only their wishes for loved ones, but also the causes that mattered to them during their lifetime. Leaving a donation to a charity in your Will is a meaningful way to support organisations you care about and create a lasting legacy. But how does it work, and […]
Who is Responsible for Paying Inheritance Tax in England?
One of the most common questions when dealing with an estate in the UK is: “Who actually pays the inheritance tax?” The answer is crucial for the executors managing the estate and the beneficiaries set to inherit. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the value of a deceased person’s estate (their property, money, and […]
What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will
When someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. This can create uncertainty and stress for family members at an already difficult time. Without clear instructions in place, the law determines how the estate is administered and who inherits, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes or personal circumstances. This […]
Can I Sell My Parents’ House Before Probate?
When a parent passes away, one of the biggest and most valuable assets in their estate is often their home. It’s very common for families to ask: “Can I sell my parents’ house before probate is granted?” The short answer is no — you cannot complete a sale before probate, but you can start preparing […]
Can I Sell My Parents’ Car Before Probate?
Losing a parent is an emotional and overwhelming experience, and dealing with their estate can add another layer of stress. One of the common questions people ask is whether they can sell their parents’ car before probate is granted. The short answer is yes — you do not need to wait until getting a Grant […]
Wills for Step-Children
When you become a step-parent, your family changes in many different ways, both emotional and legal. One of the most important legal decisions you can make is ensuring your Will properly reflects your wishes regarding your step-children. Without careful planning, step-children can easily be overlooked or unintentionally excluded. Why Step-Children Need Special Consideration Under the […]
Do I Need Probate If My Partner Dies?
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, but it can be particularly difficult losing a partner. Dealing with the administrative responsibilities on top of your own grief can feel overwhelming. Something that is often confusing for clients is whether of not they need a Grant of Probate if their partner has died. The […]
Excluding a Son-in-Law from a Will
Family relationships can be complicated. When it comes to planning your estate, you have the right to decide exactly who should — and should not — benefit from your Will. It’s not uncommon for someone to want to make sure that a son-in-law (or daughter-in-law) does not inherit, particularly if you want your estate to […]
Wills for Cohabitees
Marriage is not for everyone and there are more and more couples that live together and build a family together without getting married or entering into a civil partnership. However, this can lead to unintentional results without careful planning, and partners can easily be overlooked or unintentionally excluded from your estate. Why Cohabitees Need Special […]