You may be surprised to learn that it is possible to alter someone’s Will after their death, providing that any beneficiaries left worse off by the changes agree. The changes can be made by what is known as a deed of variation. If someone dies intestate (without a Will) then the intestacy rules govern who […]
We all know that writing a Will is important, but too few of us recognise that we should also consider something called a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA.) LPAs give another individual the legal authority to look after specific aspects of your affairs. There are two types of LPA: 1. Health and Welfare- This allows […]
Hayley Ford of the Saffron Walden and Christine Gee of the Sawston offices participated in will writing for charity and raised a very good amount by giving their time for free and all amounts raised for the preparation of the Wills went to the Addenbrooke’s Charity.
Executors are the people you appoint in your Will to carry out the administration of your estate when you pass away. Although many people choose to appoint family members or friends, it is also possible to appoint professional executors such as Solicitors. Here are some reasons why you may wish to appoint professional executors:- Appointing […]
Does a Lasting Power of Attorney or a Deputyship Order provide an attorney or deputy with the authority to give away surplus assets of the donor in the hope of achieving an Inheritance Tax saving? In short, the answer is ‘no’. A recent case in the Court of Protection has highlighted the issue of gifts […]
Making a Will is commonly seen as something to do later in life. People in their 20s often think they do not need to make one but below are 5 good reasons to make a Will, whatever your age. 1. To make sure your boyfriend or girlfriend inherits If you live with your partner but […]
Christmas is seen as a time for giving so if you are thinking of making or updating an existing Will, have you considered leaving money to charity? The Charity Commission has revealed that 35,000 people in England, Scotland and Wales who died in 2014 made donations in their Wills, benefiting more than 2,200 charities. Whilst […]
Most people are aware of the importance of making a Will to deal with physical assets. Relatively few of us, however, have probably considered what will become of our digital assets when we die. What is a digital asset? A digital asset is one that requires a password and username to access. For example, digitally-stored […]
Internet scammers are now scamming individuals into responding to emails about receiving unexpected inheritances. The emails claim to give the recipient the opportunity to claim ownerless properties and funds through the ‘Bona Vacantia Division.’ As a result of such scams, the Bona Vacantia Division (BV Division) has recently issued a warning:- ‘Neither Government Legal Department […]
The Inheritance and Trustees Powers Act 2014 came into force in October 2014 and made a number of changes to the law on wills and intestacy. Intestacy arises when somebody dies without having made a Will. If you die intestate then the law will state what will happen to your Estate rather than you. If […]
