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Category: Wills, Probate & Powers of Attorney

Distributing the gifts in an estate after probate

When dealing with the administration of an estate, distributing the gifts is one of the final stages. It is important the executors do not make distributions too soon, to protect themselves and the estate against debts or claims. Executors are advised not to pay out gifts before obtaining the Grant of Probate as time limits

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How to be the best attorney under an LPA

If you have been asked to be an attorney for someone under their power of attorney, whether for finances or health and welfare, then they have placed their trust in you to act in their best interests at all times. This will also be the case if they did not have a power of attorney

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Mirror wills: When they work best

If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting with a long-term partner, and thinking of making or updating your will, you may have heard the expression ‘mirror wills’ and wonder if this would be suitable for you. Mirror wills are wills made by two or more people in identical or very similar terms

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Clear language is critical in will writing

Three children have won a share of their father’s £700,000 estate after a hard-fought case that reached the High Court in London, reports Stephanie Mends (pictured) of our Private Client team. The siblings took action when their father Kenneth Grizzle died and they found they were excluded from his will. They told the court he was

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Don’t let your digital assets drop off the radar

Part of the success of TV shows like the BBC Antiques Roadshow is the thrill when a long-cherished family heirloom turns out to be surprisingly valuable, for example a piece of china that has been on display in the home for many years. Occasionally, a rare masterpiece hits the headlines in the art world, such

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Inheritance disputes and how to reduce the risk

Any fans of the hit TV series Succession, which follows the fortunes of the dysfunctional Roy siblings, will know how fraught inheritance issues can be when there’s no clear inheritance plan in place, especially when multiple spouses and step-families are involved. But it’s a story that’s not restricted to the super rich like the Roys,

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Property, planning and paying for care

A common concern for our clients and their families is the prospect of having to sell the family home to meet care costs. Jack Haskew, head of the wills and probate team with KWW Solicitors in East Molesey, says: “There are many articles and schemes online which seem to indicate that selling a home can

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When can a power of attorney take effect?

If you have been asked to act as an attorney for someone you may wonder when it will come into effect, especially if the power of attorney was made some time ago when your friend or relative was in good health. “There was an important change in 2007, and so the way that a power

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Business planning and the importance of making a will

A will is an important part of everybody’s legal planning no matter your circumstances, but for anyone who is in business a well written will is vital to ensure the minimum disruption after your death. “Whether you are a sole practitioner, a partner in a partnership, or a director of a limited company, you need

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How to avoid common delays in obtaining probate

Probate is a term which is loosely used to cover the administration of an estate, and it has a reputation for being a lengthy process. The administration includes a number of key stages, including obtaining the grant of probate, paying out to beneficiaries, and finalising the estate. Complications and delays can arise in each of

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