A charity has triumphed in a Court battle to claim a £180,000 fortune left in a homemade Will written on the back of a Mr Kipling mince pie box and frozen fish packaging. Despite its unconventional format, the Will was upheld by a Judge,...
Read more...
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a complex and often confusing subject, and the changes announced in the autumn 2024 Budget have added new considerations for many families. From pensions now being included in taxable estates to thresholds remaining...
Read more...
It’s interesting that we tend to receive enquiries about the same question in waves and then not hear anything about them for a while. Perhaps the enquiries are prompted by a news story or trending television programme? We have recently...
Read more...
If you are considering making a Will and you have a child or children under the age of 18, you will be asked to appoint a guardian when preparing a Will. This is a big decision to think about as you need to choose someone you trust to look after...
Read more...
When dealing with the estate of a friend or loved one, you may discover assets that are located in other countries. Those assets may be ‘physical’, such as land or property, or non-physical such as bank accounts or shareholdings. Dealing...
Read more...
How Will Your Assets Be Distributed If You Don't Make A Will? The rules of intestacy are the legal guidelines governing the distribution of assets when someone passes away without a valid Will. Recently, on 26 July 2023, the UK Government made...
Read more...
Facing the loss of a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional time. Amidst the grief, there's a need to navigate through the practical matters that follow. If you find yourself wondering what to do when a loved one passes away, our...
Read more...
Looking At The Average Costs Of Estate Administration (Probate) One of the most common questions we get asked about Probate is how much it will cost. We know from many years of experience that there is no typical cost for probate...
Read more...
Our Lasting Powers Of Attorney Process will help you make a new Lasting Powers of Attorney ('LPA'). For some, making LPA's can be a daunting experience but we are happy to work with you. That's why when you choose to work with Bennett Griffin...
Read more...
Purpose Of The Inheritance Act The purpose of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (the Act) is to allow certain classes of individuals to make a claim against an estate if the will or the intestacy did not make reasonable...
Read more...
At Bennett Griffin, we will help you through the process of either making a new Will, or reviewing your existing Will. Many assume that their possessions will pass to their loved ones, but this is often not the case. If you die without a Will,...
Read more...
*UPDATED: First published November 2020* At Bennett Griffin LLP, we have a team of specialists specifically to advise and assist Executors. If you have been entrusted with the formal role of an Executor, this guide will brief you on...
Read more...
For many there are blurred lines between an attorney and an executor, however, its simple. Here is a short video to help you understand what makes the difference between an attorney and an...
Read more...
It is inevitably emotional when a parent dies. But what happens if you discover the further painful reality that you have been excluded from their Will? It is the last thing many people want to consider at such a difficult time; however it is...
Read more...
As a solicitor specialising in the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), I often encounter people who say that they don’t need a solicitor to deal with preparing LPAs and hear comments such as: “I can do it online myself or buy a...
Read more...
The impact of the Covid 19 pandemic has been vast and felt across the entire world - whether it be the loss of so many loved ones due to the virus, or the loss of jobs and livelihoods, the past year has taken its toll on so many. There has been...
Read more...