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
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,
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
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
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
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
On top of the heartbreak and worry that a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness can cause, there will be a raft of concerns and uncertainties about your care and financial affairs, and it can be difficult to know exactly how to prepare from a legal standpoint. “There are steps you can take to ensure your
Just because you think you are going to be a beneficiary of someone’s will, it doesn’t give you the right to see a copy of it, says Jack Haskew of KWW’s private client team The only person(s) entitled to see the will and read its contents is/are the appointed executor(s). An executor may choose to
Deciding who should inherit from you in your will, how much they will get and in what shares, are big decisions to make. This can be made more difficult if you have particular concerns about a beneficiary and whether the inheritance could be at risk. “Second marriages, family disagreements, or children who have a lot
When applying for probate in regard to an estate which is subject to inheritance tax (IHT), the Probate Registry requires tax to be paid before the grant of probate application. This can prove difficult as most financial institutions will not pay out sums to executors without first seeing the grant, but there are ways to
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