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We should all be encouraged to talk about death – it is an inevitable part of life. But recent studies show that nearly half of British people admit to finding it very awkward to talk about. Although it might feel uncomfortable, not discussing your wishes with your family means that everyone is in the dark […]
Unfortunately, there are lots of businesses out there that have no legal documentation in place to ensure that if an owner loses mental capacity, someone suitable can make decisions on their behalf. It really does pay to be prepared…
The time following the death of somebody close to you can often be very difficult. We specialise in bereavement matters and have helped thousands of people through similar times.
Here’s our checklist to guide you through those very first moments…
Another day another inheritance dispute in the High Court. I am very much looking forward to reading the Judgment on this one. Mr Collici’s (the deceased) first wife brings an action against his second wife (as Executor of her husband’s estate), seeking a declaration of ownership with respect to shares in the multi million pound […]
It is always staggering to read cases such as this, but in my experience they are becoming more common. This mother was Executor of her son’s will and spent £455,000 of the money, left to someone else. In civil proceedings, this is known as a breach of trust, but a Court order to return the […]
Yet another headline this week concerning a litigated inheritance dispute. Undue Influence is one of the most difficult challenges to bring when disputing a Will. By its very nature it occurs behind closed doors and therefore it is notoriously difficult to prove. In a rare turn of events, the court were referred to a transcript […]
After a 66 year marriage, a woman whose husband’s will left everything to their two sons (to “prioritise the male line”) and leaving no provision for her or their four daughters, has been awarded a 50% share of his almost £2m estate by the High Court. It was clear that “reasonable provision” had not been […]
It has been reported that a record 16% of death Wills processed by Smee & Ford in 2022 included a charitable legacy. This totalled a staggering £21.3 billion by the end of 2022. Many charities depend on legacies and it is good to see that these are continuing post pandemic, and despite the economic uncertainty.
Interesting article in Today’s Wills & Probate regarding access to a deceased’s digital assets. Apple devices with the latest update can now add a Legacy Contact. Apple say is “the easiest, most secure way to give someone you trust access to the data stored in your Apple account after your death”. When an individual registers […]
This week is Update Your Will Week (23rd-29th January 2023), an awareness campaign hosted by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) to encourage more people to update their Will and ensure their wishes are carried out when they die. This helps minimise disputes over inheritance – easing distress (and costs) for your loved ones. Accredited members […]
