One of the problems that can arise out of DIY wills was highlighted by data released by the High Court recently. The figures show that the number claims concerning the mishandling a deceased person’s estate has tripled in recent years. There were 368 claims in 2013, while the figure was just 107 in 2012. It’s
A couple have been granted permission to tear up a badly drafted trust, after an error left the wife unable to benefit from it. The husband had set up the trust several years ago, with the intention of it providing for his wife and children in the event of his death. The man’s bank was
The Law Society has raised concerns that the online service for lasting powers of attorney (LPA) could be open to cases of fraud and abuse. LPAs are well established documents that enable you to nominate someone in advance to look after your affairs should you become incapable of doing so yourself at some point in
A woman has won the right to inherit some of her partner’s estate, even though she had not lived with him for a long enough period to meet the general legal requirement. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 states that if a couple are not married they must live together for at
Delays in the process of setting up lasting powers of attorney (LPA) are causing considerable stress and expense for thousands of families, according to a report in the Times newspaper. An LPA is a legal arrangement that enables you to authorise someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity
A grandmother’s will, which led to a family dispute over the ownership of her flat, has been upheld by the High Court. The grandmother had originally intended to leave the flat to her daughter and granddaughter and had written this into her will. When she was 90 years old, she moved in with them because
Nearly two out of three people in the UK haven’t made a will and so risk creating a financial nightmare for their families, according to new research. The survey suggests that many people don’t make a will because they feel uncomfortable about discussing death and their dying wishes. However, there is a great deal at
An extended family have been able to rectify a trust document which would have prevented them benefiting in the way intended when the settlement was first drawn up. The case involved a farming business. The shares were originally held by a husband and wife team in the 1970s. The couple put a number of shares
The rising value of houses could turn inheritance tax into a major issue for thousands of families across the UK The problem is that the inheritance tax threshold has been frozen at £325,000 until 2018; by that time, house prices are expected to have risen by 25% It’s likely therefore that many people will
A father’s will has been declared valid despite a challenge from his daughter who was disinherited. The father had two sons and a daughter. After his wife died he went to live with one of his sons and his daughter-in-law. He transferred the proceeds of the sale of his house to his son. He later