Challenges to historic Wills

Posted on 18th November 2020

black and gold pen and Last Will and Testament

There are reports that challenges to historic Wills have increased by up to 400% this year.

In some cases, challenges are being made several years after an estate has been settled.

People are enquiring about the possibility of challenging the Wills of friends and family members, believing they have a claim to money or assets, although they weren’t declared at the time.

What is the Bereavement Standard?

Posted on 23rd October 2020

Some of the UK’s biggest banks, building societies and insurance companies are discussing how to improve services for bereaved customers.

More than 60 organisations, including major banks, intermediaries and brokers are involved in creating a new Bereavement Standard.

Caveat and probate

Posted on 9th October 2020

Did you know that a caveat can be used to prevent a grant of probate?

What could this mean for your friends and family?

What is a caveat?

A caveat is used to ask someone to suspend an action. In the case of your Will, it could be used to stop your executors obtaining a grant of probate. If you don’t have a Will, it could be used to prevent your family obtaining letters of administration.

Supporting relatives in care homes

Posted on 30th September 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen some upsetting examples of how elderly people have felt lost and abandoned when their families are unable to visit them in their care home.

This has been an exceptional time. In most cases your loved ones will be happy and well looked after in their care home, but it isn’t surprising that many families wanted to bring their relatives home during the outbreak.

Tips for living safely with dementia

Posted on 21st September 2020

September is World Alzheimer’s Month which aims to raise awareness of the most common form of dementia and how it affects people in their everyday lives.

There is a lot of advice available that can help anyone who has a dementia diagnosis to live at home, independently and safely.

Funeral expenses rise during the coronavirus pandemic

Posted on 28th August 2020

The BBC has reported that the cost of funerals, and particularly the cost of cremations, has risen significantly in the UK.

Why the OPG is encouraging people to set up LPAs

Posted on 14th August 2020

Last year the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) launched the ‘Your Voice, Your Decision’ campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to make lasting powers of attorney (LPAs).

Protect your Spanish dream home for your heirs

Posted on 22nd July 2020

Since the 1960s, owning an idyllic holiday or retirement villa in a beautiful corner of Spain has been a dream for many people.

It’s estimated that 800,000 to 1 million homes in Spain are owned by British citizens, with over 380,000 living there full-time.

Many British property owners in Spain are retirees with grown-up families. If this sounds like you or a family member it is important to give some thought to what should happen to property and assets in the UK and in Spain.

LPAs to keep your pension savings safe

Posted on 17th July 2020

Recent freedoms for people with pension savings provide more choice about how they can be used.

If you are looking for a guaranteed income for life you can still buy an annuity. If you want more flexibility, you could take a cash lump sum and manage the rest of your savings throughout your retirement.

There’s even free PensionWise guidance from the government if you’re over 50, to help you make good decisions, depending on your circumstances

Why the OPG rejects thousands of LPAs

Posted on 18th June 2020

In the last 12 months (to April 2020) the Office of the Public Guardian OPG) rejected nearly 22,000 Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications in England and Wales.

An LPA could be the answer for people who are worried about how their financial affairs could be managed if they were seriously ill, even for a short time, during the coronavirus outbreak.