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, […]
What is my job as the executor of a will?
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 […]
What are the duties of the personal representatives?
The administrator can be held financially liable for any loss resulting from a breach of duty, even if a mistake is made in good faith. Being named as Executor in a Will or being appointed on intestacy can involve complicated, difficult and time-consuming duties which often take up to a year to complete. It is crucial to get everything right […]
What is intestacy?
If there is no will the estate may not be distributed as you would expect as there are strict rules that apply to determine who will inherit. What are the rules? When someone dies without a valid will there are strict inheritance laws, often referred to as the Rules of Intestacy, which apply in England and Wales. The Rules of […]
An Introduction To Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
To cover health and welfare or financial decisions A Lasting Power of Attorney appoints your chosen person or persons to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. Many people put them in place at the same time as getting their Will written, as part of planning for the future. What are the types of Power of Attorney There are […]
Wills and jointly owned property
Many people don’t realise that when you own property jointly with another person that property will not pass under your will or by intestacy. When making your will it is important that you consider how property is held to ensure that it passes in accordance with your wishes. There are two main ways of owning a property jointly known as […]
What happens if I die without making a Will?
If you die in England or Wales without a legally valid Will the intestacy rules govern who is entitled to receive your assets. If you have no living family members, everything will go to the Crown. Here is a simple guide to how the intestacy rules would distribute your estate if you died without a will. Married or in a […]
Why do I need to make a Will?
A will helps to protect your family’s future and ensures that you control how your assets pass after you die. By writing a will you have certainty that your wishes will be carried out and you can use it to appoint guardians for minor children and make known any specific wishes you many have in terms of individual gifts or […]
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. […]