What might make a will invalid?
From simple errors, to serious issues arising where an individual does not have sound mental capacity when papers were signed, there are multiple reasons why a (more…)
Read More
Wills witnessed via video link to become legal
To facilitate drafting wills in England and Wales during the COVID-19 outbreak, new legislation planned will make it possible for them to be witnessed remotely using (more…)
Read MoreWhy have your will drafted by professionals?
Regardless of your wealth, health, how old you are or whether you own property, making sure your wishes are officially documented and will be carried out correctly after your death is essential for everyone. Failure to do so can cause numerous problems, ranging from your estate entering probate and family disputes, to your affairs being handled or inherited by individuals not of your choosing.
(more…)Read MoreHow to make amendments to your will
If you’ve experienced a change in personal circumstances, you might decide you need to make alterations to your will.
When this situation arises, it’s essential that you don’t action these changes by simply amending your original will after it has been successfully signed with witnesses. Any noticeable changes to the legal document will be assumed to have been added later than the date of signing and will not be classed as part of the original valid will.
There are only two ways of making changes to a will – you can either add a codicil to your will, or make a new one entirely.
What is a codicil?
A codicil is an addition to a will that makes one or several alterations to the document while leaving the remainder intact. This may be useful under many different circumstances, from changing a guardian or executor listed, adding beneficiaries or increasing the amount you bequeath to someone.
Codicils must always be signed by the person making the will and witnessed accordingly, although witnesses can be different to those used for the original document.
You can update your will with as many codicils as you require, but they are best employed for simple and straightforward changes.
Drawing up a new will
When a more complex amendment is required, the best policy is to make a brand-new will. It’s advised to begin any new will with a clause affirming that the document revokes any previous wills made along with their codicils. The old will should then be destroyed along with any copies made.
Read MoreBarrister ordered to pay six-figure sum in court fees
Michael Templeman, a barrister and son of a judge, must pay a £350,000 bill after losing a case against his stepsisters over his father’s last will.
(more…)Read MoreNiece 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 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 MoreSolicitors for the Elderly award :)
We are now members of Solicitors for the Elderly. Marta Williamson of My Local Solicitor Ltd. has been awarded the SFE Older Client Care in Practice Award. Well done Marta! SFE is a community of trusted advisers – professionally highly qualified and regulated and who also have additional skills to enable them to work with older and vulnerable clients.
Read More