What is my job as the executor of a will?

As an executor of a will, your main responsibilities are to: Locate and secure the assets You will need to locate and secure the assets of the deceased, including property, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions. Pay debts and taxes You are responsible for paying any debts and taxes that the deceased owed, including any outstanding mortgages, credit card balances, […]

How long does a probate take with a will?

The length of time it takes to go through probate with a will can vary, depending on a number of factors such as the complexity of the estate, the workload of the probate registry, and how promptly the executors are able to provide all the necessary information and documentation. On average, the probate process can take between 6 to 12 […]

How long does probate take with a will?

The time it takes to complete the probate process can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise. If the deceased left a valid will that is not contested and the estate is relatively straightforward, the probate process may take several months. In some cases, probate can be completed […]

How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the value of an estate does not determine whether or not it must go through the probate process. Instead, whether an estate must go through probate depends on a number of factors, including the type of assets that are in the estate and whether the deceased person left a valid will. Generally, if the deceased person […]

Do I Have To Act As An Executor If Named In a Will?

Administering a relative’s will can be a traumatic experience, but it’s not a role you are forced to do, even if you have been appointed to take on the task by the deceased relative in his or her will. There is a process available if you want to withdraw your rights to take on this task. It’s called renunciation and […]

How to Escape Inheritance Tax the Legal Way

What is inheritance tax? Inheritance tax was first introduced in 1986. It is a tax that needs to be paid on the property or cash of some people after they die. Currently, the rate is set at 40 percent of all assets that exceed £325,000, so it really only applies to those who leave significant wealth behind when they die. […]

Storing Your Will So It Can Be Found

Often, when a will is written, the last thing the person whose will it is wants is relatives or potential beneficiaries to shuffle through draws and cupboards looking for a piece of paper which will tell them whether they are a beneficiary or not. However, you might think you should conceal it away from prying eyes, but you do not […]

Choosing an Executor to Administer Your Will

The person who sorts out your property when you die and carries out the instructions in your Will is called your executor. It is preferable that you appoint an executor in your Will as it makes it easier to finalise your Will after you die. There are no restrictions on who you choose to do the job, but it is […]

The Pros and Cons of DIY Wills

The number of British adults who have not made a Will is alarmingly high. It has been estimated that around 60% of adults have not concerned themselves with making a Will. Why not? The two main reasons seem to be cost and procrastination. Those adults who do think about making a Will are concerned about the cost of making a […]

An Introduction To Power Of Attorney

All powers of attorney are prepared and checked by a specialist Solicitor so you have peace of mind that it is correct and accords with your wishes. There are two main types of Power of Attorney which enable you to appoint people to deal with your personal affairs should you find yourself incapable of doing so, whether due to physical […]