Your signed Will is the only valid document.

The local probate registry will insist on seeing the original Will, and it is almost impossible to prove a photocopy. If your Will can’t be found or is damaged, all your careful planning may be in vain.

Your letter of wishes can be a farewell letter to your family, friends and the people you love. More importantly, it's your opportunity to guide your executors and explain how you’d like them to deal with your funeral and manage the trusts created by your Will. Our FREE template will guide you as you make your choices.

Many of us face difficult and complex decisions when it comes to caring for our ageing parents.

With the announcement yesterday that Labout has scrapped the care cap of £86,000, you may wonder what this means for you.

Every family is unique. Rachael and David put off making a Will for over a decade because they thought it would be too stressful and expensive. They’re not married to each other, they have children together and from previous relationships. Here’s their story….

Perhaps you haven’t made a Will to avoid thinking about the awful possibility of not being there for your children.

Find out more about how to tackle a difficult decision in this article.

Cohabiting couples have fewer legal rights than married or civil partners. In England and Wales, the law does not recognise these loving relationships.

Here’s what you need to know.

A Deputy is one or more people appointed by the Court of Protection (CoP) to make decisions on behalf of another who cannot do so themselves. The good news is that it’s easy to avoid expensive and stressful involvement with the slow, and bureaucratic CoP.

Read on to find out how Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable.

A property trust in your Will can help to safeguard your share of your family home. Our blog explains how this could benefit your family.

You may think that Will trusts are only for the super-wealthy, but this is a misconception. We explain all you need to know with a case study example.

A discretionary Will trust is like a gift box for your assets. With this legal trust arrangement, your trustees (people you choose because you trust them) have the legal power to decide how your assets are distributed among your beneficiaries. Your words, either verbally or in writing, guide their actions.

Let’s look at some of the situations where a discretionary Will trust could be advantageous.

You may think that if a person has a dementia diagnosis, they can no longer make a Will. In many cases, this could be true, but a qualified and experienced professional may be able to help. Read on for helpful guidance about the test for capacity to make a Will.

The simple answer to the question “Can my children inherit if they live overseas?” is yes, but there could be a few hurdles to finalise matters.

If you are dealing with an estate with beneficiaries located abroad, there are a few additional issues that need to be considered. Find out more in our helpful article.

There’s a common misconception that any debts die with you. In this blog article, we explain what actually happens. If you’re an executor or Personal Representative, you’ll need to deal with any debts. Read on to learn more.

Choosing a certificate provider requires thought and care. In this blog, we explore the choices and explain why your neighbour may not be the best choice.

The Ministry of Justice has decided to increase most England and Wales court fees by 10% in May 2024. The standard probate fee will be raised by £27 to £300.

Our blog explains probate costs with hints and tips for what to do if you are an executor.

In this blog, we delve into the importance of protecting children who, for whatever reason, may find it difficult to be independent adults. We look at the favourable tax treatment of Vulnerable Person Discretionary Trust and vital strategies that can safeguard a child’s future and ensure their well-being despite uncertainties.

Death cleaning (like estate planning) isn’t some eerie ritual involving black candles and incantations. It’s your chance to embrace life and spread a little tidying magic along the way. It's about making space for the things that truly matter and finding peace of mind knowing that everything is in its proper place.

It may be challenging to have a conversation about your Will.

Many people find talking about dying painful and upsetting. We all know that despite the taboos, the inevitable will happen to us one day. It pays to make plans.

Here are a few handy tips to help you talk about your wishes and make the conversation as conflict-free and easy as possible.

Behind every probate application is a bereaved family trying to organise their affairs at what can be a very sensitive time. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) aims to make the process of applying for probate as easy as possible for members of the public and probate professionals.

Here are a few top tips to help you avoid delays.