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Insights

What’s the Difference Between an Attorney and a Deputy?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

The day-to-day steps taken by attorneys and deputies are quite similar – but there are some important differences. This question-and-answer document may help to answer some of the more frequent questions people have. 

Insights

Should I Transfer My Home to My Children?

Posted on 24th October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

For many people, the family home is their principal asset and a question which we regularly get asked by our clients is whether they should give away their property, or whether they should put it into joint names with their children.

Posted by

Naomi Hoare

Senior Associate & Solicitor

Insights

Parliament Passes Bill on Digital Lasting Power of Attorney

Posted on 03rd October 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

The UK Parliament has now passed the Powers of Attorney Bill enabling the Office of the Public Guardian to introduce a new system for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

Posted by

Emma McAdam

Solicitor

Insights

An Unwelcome Stress: Probate Registry Delays Creating Additional Interest

Posted on 17th August 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

At a time when bereaved families already have so much to manage, the prolonged delays in the issue of Grants of Probate is not only costing time but, in some cases, money.

Insights

New Court of Protection Capacity Assessment Form

Posted on 15th August 2023 in Probate & Wills

The Court of Protection has announced a new mental capacity assessment form (COP3) which should be used as part of applications to the Court.

Posted by

Emma McAdam

Solicitor

Insights

Statutory Legacy Sum Set to Be Raised Later This Month

Posted on 20th July 2023 in Probate & Wills

According to the UK Government, a new Statutory Legacy of £322,000 has been set through a Statutory Instrument. This fixed net sum will come into effect on 26th July 2023.

Posted by

Sasha Brennan

Solicitor

Insights

Managing a bank account for someone else

Posted on 18th May 2023 in Probate & Wills

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for somebody else to manage an individual's account. If the account holder gives someone else the authority to do so, typically that person will have the same authority to manage the account as the owner.

Posted by

Sue Halfyard

Partner & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

What are the Duties of Trustees?

Posted on 09th May 2023 in Probate & Wills

When creating a trust, trustees are appointed to manage the trust and the assets that have been settled in line with the provisions of the trust and the instructions given by the person who established the trust in the first place.

Posted by

Graeme Manfield

Trusts Officer

Insights

Feeling the pinch – Pitfalls Executors should avoid  

Posted on 14th March 2023 in Probate & Wills

The cost-of-living crisis has left many families feeling the pinch over recent months and raids on inheritance tax by HMRC has not let up adding to the financial burden on many estates. 

Posted by

Sasha Brennan

Solicitor

Insights

Office of the Public Guardian – New Procedures regarding the notification of death

Posted on 19th January 2023 in Probate & Wills

Updated on 17th January 2023, The Public Guardian holds registers for lasting powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney, deputies, and guardians. This article explains the rules for notifying the OPG of deaths concerning the registers.

Posted by

Sue Halfyard

Partner & Chartered Legal Executive

Insights

What happens to my means tested benefits after I inherit?

Posted on 10th January 2023 in Probate & Wills

There has recently been an interesting case that has come before the courts, dealing with exactly this question.

Insights

Judgement highlights the importance of recording wishes in Wills

Posted on 30th November 2022 in Probate & Wills

it was observed that it is crucial to record wishes surrounding this topic in writing and further noted that a Will would be an excellent place to do so.