Category: Inheritance

Claire Speed Head of Rural at Hedges Law explores the ‘Clarkson Effect’ after the release of Season 4.

“Clarkson’s Farm” Season 4 continues to highlight the often-frustrating labyrinth of legal and bureaucratic challenges that modern farmers, and indeed anyone attempting rural diversification, face in the UK. While much of the show’s appeal lies in the comedic struggles, these segments are rooted in very real legal considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the key legal […]

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Survivorship: How does it work?

Probate can be a complex process and understanding how different types of asset ownership are treated after someone passes away is crucial. One key concept that often arises is “survivorship.” This principle dictates how jointly owned property passes to the surviving owner(s) outside the Will and, often, outside deceased’s estate. At its heart, survivorship means […]

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What Are the Chances of Successfully Contesting a Will?

Inheriting after a loved one’s passing is often bittersweet. While grief takes centre stage, the terms of the will can sometimes spark disagreement. If you believe the will is unfair or invalid, contesting it becomes a possibility. But before embarking on this potentially complex and emotionally charged journey, understanding the chances of success is crucial. […]

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How to Prevent Someone Contesting a Will

Creating a Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your desires after your passing. Unfortunately, disgruntled family members or beneficiaries can sometimes challenge the validity of a Will, leading to a lengthy and costly legal battle. In this article Hedges Inheritance Disputes Solicitor Edward Capstick shares strategies to minimise the risk of someone contesting […]

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How to Remove a Trustee – Taking Control When Inheritance Goes Wrong

Inheritance disputes can be emotionally charged, especially when trust in the person managing the estate, the trustee, is called into question. Hedges can help navigate the complexities of will disputes, give straight forward and pragmatic advice that is tailored to your goals and budget, and protect your position.  You can see further information here and […]

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Can estranged children claim against their parent’s estates?

It is the unfortunate reality that not all families are harmonious and it is often the case that when children become estranged from their parents they will be written out of their Will. While there is no obligation for a parent to make provision for their child in their Will, recent judgements have shown that […]

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What are the Time Limits to Contesting a Will?

Losing a loved one is tough, and it can be even more stressful if the will doesn’t reflect your expectations. If you believe the will is invalid or unfair, you might consider contesting it. But in England and Wales, time limits can apply, so it’s important to act quickly. Challenging the Will’s Legitimacy: Unlike some […]

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Why appointing a professional executor could be right for you

Although most people choose a family member to be the executor of their estate, it is not always your best option. Whether you want to prevent your family from falling out when one person is selected over another, or you want to remove the burden of endless paperwork and understanding the legal requirements involved, there are many reasons why appointing a professional executor could be right for you. Here are the key benefits to appointing a professional executor to administer your estate after you die.

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Inheritance tax planning and rental properties

Official statistics show that more than 2.5 million individuals own a rental property in the UK. The freezing of the inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate band since 2009 (currently £325,000), coupled with house price growth over the same period, means that many of these landlords’ estates will be liable to IHT when they die. Yes, […]

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