If I was given a pound every time that someone said that their new Will would be “a simple one” or that their existing Will only needed “a tweak” I'd be rich. In many cases that's true but often it is not. ...
A client recently contacted me to say that her mother needed a power of attorney. After asking some questions it became clear that it would not be possible for a power of attorney to be prepared on this occasion because mother had advanced dementia so was...
As the latest Lockdown continues now is a good opportunity to get your affairs in order and, in particular, to check that you have a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) in place. An LPA is a legal document in which you appoint trusted people to make...
The whole country was plunged into its third lockdown on 6 th January amid a surge in coronavirus cases. Schools were closed for everyone apart from children of key workers and vulnerable children and are not likely to open now until at least Easter time. ...
We are delighted to announce that we have become an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). This shows that we follow best practice procedures to meet the highest standards of technical expertise...
Many of you will have been appointed as an Attorney in a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a document which someone (the Donor) signs to say that if they cannot ever make decisions for themselves, they appoint one or more trusted people to make...
Your New Year’s Resolution The festive period is over and you have made your list of New Year's resolutions so why not add one more to the list? It is a good idea to keep your Will under regular review. This is to ensure that the Will is up to...
What can you do if your loved one cannot make decisions for themselves? If they have a Power of Attorney in place the Attorneys can act for them (subject to registration requirements) but what happens if there is no Power of Attorney? The...
Not every family is united in grief when a loved one dies. On occasions a challenge is made to a Will. Family members may do so for a variety of reasons, such as:- 1. They have received nothing in the Will & think that they should have received...
If you are left out of someone’s will there are two realistic courses of legal action. You can try to claim that the will is invalid. This is only going to be a viable course of action if, by invalidating the will, you stand to receive something from...
These days it is possible to buy a do-it-yourself Will kit online or in a stationery shop for as little as £10, making the option seem cheaper and potentially faster and simpler than using a solicitor to prepare your Will for you. But do these kits...
The Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) came into effect last year for estates where the deceased died on or after 6 th April 2017. The good news is that if you leave your main residence to certain beneficiaries, there will be an extra £100,000 of...
On Saturday 10 th October Jenny Mayhew, a solicitor & director, will be undertaking a skydive from Headcorn Airfield in aid of The Rockinghorse Appeal. This Sussex charity provides vital and much needed medical equipment for children at the Royal...
I am often contacted by a parent or their children expressing a wish to gift the family home to the children. The gift is to take place straight away. The request can be made for a variety of reasons, including Inheritance Tax, Nursing Home fees...
I was sitting on a train recently on the way back from London feeling remarkably relaxed, which was surprising bearing in mind I had just spent the day settling a contentious probate case. My client and her sister were contesting their mother’s...
I am delighted to say that Dawson Hart is, once again, taking part in the St Peter and St James’ Will Writing Event. Many of you will know what an inspiring place the Hospice, located in North Chailey, is. The Scheme encourages supporters to visit us...
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