Niece and sister of childless widow awarded £825,000 fortune
The niece and sister of a widow who passed away have won £825,000, following allegations that the estate was rigged to be received instead by her brother.
(more…)Read MoreA guide to nominating multiple attorneys in an LPA
Careful consideration is always advised when appointing an Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). You should try and choose someone you trust to make decisions in your interests and who is reliable, with the right skills for the role.
(more…)Read MoreSpouses set to receive additional £20,000 if partner passes without will
Tomorrow, a rule update comes into force meaning surviving spouses will inherit a greater amount, although expert opinion advises the surest way to sidestep inheritance issues is to write a will.
(more…)Read MoreThe importance of LPAs for dementia patients
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with dementia, you may benefit from a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Nominating an LPA to handle your affairs before you are unable to make decisions for yourself can ensure that should you lose mental capacity, the person of your choosing will manage your affairs.
Understanding dementia
What exactly is dementia? It’s a broad term that covers a variety of progressive disorders that affect the brain. While there are hundreds of subtypes, some of the more common include dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The human brain comprises nerve cells that communicate with one another via messages. Dementia causes the nerve cells to be damaged, stopping messages being sent to and from the brain correctly, preventing the human body from normal functions.
Progressive disorders such as dementia can diminish sufferers’ ability to make competent decisions and can result in a loss of mental capacity.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Granting LPA status to a friend or family member before you are no longer capable of caring for yourself can be prudent, if you wish to decide what happens to you when you lose mental capacity. You can dictate who cares for you and how you’re cared for, and can also include a statement of specific wishes.
Without a nominated LPA in place, the courts will appoint someone to care for you and this may not be someone you would originally have desired to be handling your affairs.
Read MoreFarmer sued by mother for £6m estate
A Huntingdon farmer is locked in a battle at court with his mother over his family estate.
(more…)Read MoreWhat are the rights of a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) specifically for health and welfare grants the person nominated (referred to as the attorney) the legal power to execute decisions on behalf of someone (known as the donor) when they’re no longer able to make decisions of their own.
(more…)Read MoreMan sues niece for share of fortune worth millions
A man who claims his father’s will excluded him has taken his niece to court in an attempt to secure his share of an inheritance worth £2.4m.
(more…)Read MoreWhat is Testamentary Capacity?
From simple errors to being unduly influenced, there are several issues that can invalidate a will. If a will is discovered to be invalid following a death, it can have severe implications for its beneficiaries, sometimes costing thousands in fees to reach a resolution.
(more…)Read More
Law Society welcomes scrapping of hike in probate fee
A rise in the government’s probate fee, that would have resulted in bereaved families facing costs of over £6,000 in probate grants, has now been abandoned in a move approved by the Law society.
(more…)Read MoreThe two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a piece of legal documentation that allows you to appoint a person to assist you in making decisions, or to make them on your behalf.
(more…)Read More