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.

Your letter of wishes has two purposes: it’s a farewell letter to your family, friends and the people you love, and 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.

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.

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.

Are you considering gifting your house to your children while you're still living in it?

You can give your house away to your children and continue living in it. BUT… and it’s a very big BUT… have you considered the 7 major disadvantages?

Your executors will need to be able to find your personal and financial information when the time comes. A simple way to do this is to create a folder or document for your executors - one that details what you own and where you keep vital information. In this blog we share helpful hints, tips and our handy resources:

Was making your Will on your NY resolutions list last year? Perhaps it’s the one goal you didn’t achieve in 2023. We understand it can feel daunting, but estate planning is simply part of sensible financial planning. Here’s a personal account of events that triggered action.

Imagine your Grandpa won the EuroMillions jackpot and decided he wanted to share the luck with his family. Wonderful news, of course, and there is no income tax on a lottery jackpot, but there is a possible sting in the tail…

Later-life marriage can bring immense joy and a few challenges. Foresight and careful planning are needed. This blog delves into the issues that may inadvertently impact family dynamics and inheritance.

The Golden Rule is a legal principle that advises legal professionals dealing with Wills and estate planning to exercise particular caution when assessing the mental capacity of a person creating or amending their Will, especially if that person is elderly or in ill health. We explain all in our blog:

This is a common question often asked by clients and comes from a misconception that there’s a conflict between the two roles.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be incredibly tough, and when you start thinking about what to do next, it can feel overwhelming.

This blog article explains what you'll need to address immediately and what can wait. We’ll cover the essential tasks to help you navigate the process, deal with the loss of a close relative or friend, and provide clarity and direction for the road ahead.

A trust of property in your Will can safeguard your share of your family home in certain situations. Our blog explains how a property trust in your Will 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.

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 care in later life is something that might not be on your mind every day but is incredibly important for your well-being and peace of mind. Advance Decisions and Advance Statements are sometimes referred to as 'Living Wills.' These legal documents let you express your wishes for medical care if certain situations arise.

Let's explore your options.

Lasting Powers of Attorney take several weeks to register.

The Office of the Public Guardian suggests the turnaround time is around 20 weeks. Recent experience suggests that allowing 5-6 months is a good idea.

You may want to arrange a little extra help while waiting for your Lasting Powers of Attorney to be registered. Find out more here: