The ongoing trend of leaving a digital legacy

The ongoing trend of leaving a digital legacy The ongoing trend of leaving a digital legacyBy the end of this century, the number of dead people on the popular social media network, Facebook, is expected to outnumber living members – turning it into the world’s biggest ‘virtual graveyard’. Additionally, a recent YouGov survey revealed that […]

COVID-19 impacts probate applications in the UK

COVID-19 impacts probate applications in the UK In June, it was widely reported that HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) had been receiving a surge in probate applications. The Government tried to manage the surge in demand by hiring additional staff and upskilling existing staff to clear the backlog which resulted in average turnaround times […]

Heterosexual civil partnerships are now legal

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Power of attorney refund scheme launched

A refund scheme for those who have been overcharged for their power of attorney fees was launched on the 1st February 2018. In an announcement made by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the refunds are being offered to those who may have been charged more than was necessary when they applied to register for powers […]

Govt sets out new rules on Funeral Expenses Payments

The Government sets out new rules on Funeral Expenses Payments The government has announced several changes to the eligibility conditions relating to the Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payments scheme that will take effect from 2 April. The scheme allows people on a low income and in need of help to pay for a funeral to […]

Grant of Probate Delays Continue

Increased Grant applications cause delays Delays to Grant of Probate applications in England and Wales continue. A recent STEP article reports that 23,572 applications were received by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in January 2022. This is an increase of 5,297 (29%) on the 18,275 applications received in December 2021 for probate. The article […]

Managing property upon death

Who deals with property when someone dies? The responsibility of dealing with the deceased’s property falls to the Executor (when there’s a Will) or the Administrator (when there’s no Will). This means that if anything happens to the property after the owner dies, they are responsible for resolving the issue. Before dealing with the property, […]

Managing property upon death

Who deals with property when someone dies? The responsibility of dealing with the deceased’s property falls to the Executor (when there’s a Will) or the Administrator (when there’s no Will). This means that if anything happens to the property after the owner dies, they are responsible for resolving the issue. Before dealing with the property, […]

Missing Beneficiaries UK

What happens when an heir can’t be found? During estate administration, having to locate missing beneficiaries can cause additional stress. A beneficiary may be missing for several reasons, including: • Family estrangement – the family may have lost contact with an heir• An invalid Will – issues with the Will can lead to doubts about […]