Why having a valid Will is important for parents

Posted on 23rd August 2024

Parents with young children should include them in their Wills.

Every year, thousands of children under the age of 18 lose one of their parents. As long as both parents are co-guardians then their remaining parent can look after them.

However, more than half of the UK’s parents don’t have a valid Will. They might not have one at all or they have one that’s out of date.

What is Willanthropy?

Posted on 12th August 2024

Willanthropy is a word you might not know – it’s the act of leaving a gift to charity in your Will. This year’s Remember A Charity Week is from 9th to 15th September, so it’s a good time to think about it.

Like this woman sitting on a park bench, you might be thinking about leaving a gift to charity in your Will.

Can family members and dependants make claims on your estate?

Posted on 25th July 2024

Family members and dependants can make a claim on your estate when you die, even if they're not included in your Will.

Someone can make a legal claim on your estate when you die, even if they’re not included in your Will.

Find out why LPA certificate providers are so important

Posted on 11th July 2024

It’s important to follow all the right steps when you set up your Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). If there’s any doubt about their validity the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) will make a decision. This applies to LPAs for both your financial affairs and your health and welfare.

Signing an LPA certificate is an important role.

Looking after your Will

Posted on 26th June 2024

A fire-proof filing box can keep important documents safe, like your Will.

Once you’ve confirmed the details in your Will and it’s properly signed and witnessed what should happen next?

It’s easy to forget how important it is, after taking the trouble to write your Will, to keep it safe and make sure it’s easy to find.

Why your family tree matters

Posted on 11th June 2024

Exploring your family history is an increasingly popular hobby in the UK.

You can search for your ancestors on many different databases online from the comfort of your own home.

Many people are fascinated by their family’s origins. You might find you’re descended from an historic figure or a rogue, but it’s quite exciting to know more. You might even find connections in other parts of the world.

Just like a tree growing in a forest your family tree has important roots in the past for inheritance purposes.

New guidance on help to pay inheritance tax

Posted on 28th May 2024

Even if your family home is a cute countryside cottage inheritance tax might still be use when you die.

HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on applying for a grant on credit for Inheritance Tax (IHT) payments.

There have also been updates to the tax rules and processes affecting trusts and estates.

Writing a living Will

Posted on 10th May 2024

Campaigner, Esther Rantzen, continues to raise important matters even as she deals with her own health issues.

She inspired a debate in the Houses of Parliament about medical assistance for people at the end of their life. The debate was in response to a petition signed by over 200,000 people.

supporting someone at the end of their life is much easier if they have use their wishes known in a living Will.

Probate delays still continue

Posted on 25th April 2024

The probate process takes a long time after you've laid flowers on a loved one's gravestone.

Concerns continue about probate application delays. The government says it has put measures in place to speed up the probate process.

Despite the government’s target to complete probate applications within 16 weeks, delays mean it can still take up to a year.

Will writing trends in 2024

Posted on 11th April 2024

A recent report highlights current trends involving Will writing and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). The review looked at over 200,000 Wills and 140,000 LPAs.