Changing your name in England and Wales is relatively straightforward. In fact, there’s no legal requirement to register a name change at all – you can simply start using a new name, provided you aren’t doing it for fraudulent reasons. However, while you can legally call yourself any name (as long as it’s in good … Read more
Applying for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions (‘estate’) following their death is called ‘applying for probate’. If the person left a Will, they will usually have named ‘Executors’. Executors are people who will sort out the estate, pay the person’s debts and distribute anything left over. The Executors will … Read more
To make a Will, you must have “mental capacity” – and sometimes Wills are challenged because it is thought that the person who made the Will (the testator) did not have the required mental capacity at the time. Logically, we therefore need to know what is meant by mental capacity and what standard is required. … Read more
A common question I get is, ‘how can I avoid paying care home fees’? With fees at around £800 a week for a place in a care home or £1,078 a week for nursing care*, it’s not surprising so many people are so worried about their assets. I’ve already covered the current rules on who … Read more
In this article, I look at the pros and cons of various options you have for making a Will, from free templates to solicitor or STEP-guided consultations. Nobody likes to ponder their own mortality, but preparing for the future by making a Will is one of the most responsible decisions you can make. It’s not … Read more
In the realm of wealth management and estate planning, there exists a nifty tool that can offer remarkable flexibility and control over the distribution of your assets: the discretionary trust. This type of trust is a popular choice in legal planning for individuals in England and Wales who wish to maintain a level of influence … Read more
When it comes to something as important as a Will, it’s tempting to think that a free Will template might do the trick. It seems easy, cheap, and convenient. It’s no secret that times are tough right now. The cost of living crisis has us all searching for ways to tighten the belt, and it’s … Read more
If you’re looking to set up an LPA or just want to understand what all the fuss over new legislation is about, here’s a rundown of what’s changing and how it affects you. When the Powers of Attorney Act 2023 received Royal Assent on September 18, it set off a series of changes that will … Read more
In this article I look at whether employers can restrict or ban the wearing of jewellery at work and in particular, jewellery that relates to religion or beliefs.
You will see from this brief overview that there is a relationship between Inheritance Tax and Wills. The amount of tax your estate pays depends on a range of factors – including who you leave the assets to. Inheritance Tax reduces how much of your hard-earned money and property that you can pass on to … Read more
