MANY people choose to leave the UK to escape, temporarily or permanently, the gloomy weather and the even gloomier tax regime. Sadly, there is a mountain of bureaucracy to wade through before setting sail for warmer climes.
Britons leave internet passwords in wills
A growing number of Britons are including their internet passwords in their wills so that their family and friends can access and save their personal data on sites such as Facebook after they die, says a new report.
Inheritance tax is set to peak in 2047 when £1.1 trillion will be left to beneficiaries, a new study has revealed.
The Age of Inheritance Report, published by HSBC, predicted the average amount left as inheritance will increase to an all-time high of £238,000 in 2047, compared with £46,000 today.
Outrage over executor’s huge fees
Xan Rice reports on an extortionate legal bill charged for settling a simple estate
HOW much should it cost to wind up a simple estate of about £300,000? Anywhere between £130 and £15,500 it seems, based on the experiences of two Times readers. One administered the estate herself, paying the . . . → Read More: Outrage over executor’s fees
can the executor of a will be a beneficiary
Yes the executor of a will can be a beneficiary
can the executor of a will be a beneficiary is it 100% legal, but it’s often very advisable decision that the executor is beneficiary. The executor has a great deal of authority over the estate, obviously. As . . . → Read More: can the executor of a will be a beneficiary
Scammers are taking advantage of Steve Jobs’ death, offering mourners everything from funeral tickets to free iPads, in an attempt to prey on people’s gullibility to turn a profit.
Steve Jobs, the Apple founder and former CEO who invented and masterfully marketed ever-sleeker gadgets that transformed everyday technology, from the personal computer to the iPod and iPhone, died Wednesday. He was 56.
Apple announced his death without giving a specific cause. He died peacefully, according to a statement from family members who said . . . → Read More: Steve Jobs dies
Unfortunately in many cases, the problems of working out what to do when someone dies can continue after the execution of their estate. One example of this is the case of Mr & Mrs ’H.T’, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, who contacted This Is Money last week for advice.
Mum forced to sue children after husband died intestate
A widow and mother-of-three was forced to sue her children after her husband died intestate and she wasn’t left enough money to pay for bills and day-to-day living expenses.
Law Commission recommends moving pension funds outside of intestate law, probate law
The Law Commission of England and Wales has recommended changes to the current way that wills and probate law on family provision claims and intestacy.
Law Society conference highlights the need for expertise in EU’s international probate law
Probate solicitors and other legal professionals were told that in order to offer a better service to clients and expand their business, they should build their expertise in EU probate law.
People who put off confronting their own mortality and avoid planning for their loved ones’ futures ie Estate planning could leave a “tangled mess” for them to sort out.
For a quick easy online probate quote please click here or call Free phone:0800 721 8722
“Spartacus” actor Andy Whitfield has died, CNN has confirmed. Fans of Starz Entertainment’s original drama “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” know Whitfield as the titular gladiator.
Can Simon Cowell Really Have His Body Frozen After He Dies?
Get You Free Online wills and probate quote here
Simon Cowell, the former American Idol judge famous for freezing contestants in their tracks with his biting critiques, now says he wants to freeze more than that … his body. After he dies, of course. . . . → Read More: Can Simon Cowell Really Have His Body Frozen After He Dies?
Many DIY probate administrators facing unnecessary charges
An increasing amount of families are being overtaxed on their inheritance because they are neglecting to hire wills and probate solicitors.
According to shropshirelive.com, more people are choosing to negotiation the estate administration and probate process alone. Many of these DIY probate administrators end up paying avoidable costs, care fees or . . . → Read More: Many DIY probate administrators facing unnecessary charges
Following complaints earlier in the week about the ineffectiveness of many charities’ legacy fundraising policies, two of the UK’s largest non-profit organisations have vowed to change their ways.
Marcus Watkins, who had recently been made executor of his mother-in-law’s will, voiced his concerns publicly after being contacted incessantly for donations following her death.
The majority of Brits will not talk openly about inheritance, according to a new poll.
A survey by Aviva revealed that 63 per cent of respondents have yet to discuss the subject with their families, despite four out of ten expecting to receive money in the probate process.
Some four weeks after the funeral and estate administration of Amy Winehouse took place, the toxicology reports from her post-mortem have been revealed.
It was found that although no illegal drugs were present in her system at time of death, she did have alcohol in her blood – although the levels of which were not released.
The whole concept of inheritance tax has been called into question by one commentator, who suggested it is unjust now that so many people are being forced to pay the levy.
The Red Arrows pilot who was tragically killed last Saturday will potentially have a memorial made for him in Bournemouth, where he died.
Flight lieutenant Jon Egging, who was 33 years old, died during a Red Arrows display at Bournemouth Air Festival. His aircraft crashed during the event.
Brits who may be looking to draw up a Will themselves have been advised to seek professional advice, as going it alone can be a hugely risky option.
This is according to Standard Life, which found that nearly half of people are using internet resources for guidance when it . . . → Read More: DIY estate planning ‘a risky option’
Concerns over the efficacy of legacy fundraising have been voiced, with one charity worker in particularly highlighting the case.
He told Thirdsector.co.uk how even though his mother-in-law’s will had specifically stipulated where she wanted her money to go, charities still sent him “begging letters” incessantly.
The man, Marcus Watkins, was made executor of his mother-in-law’s estate after she . . . → Read More: Legacy fundraising concerns voiced
An advertising campaign by the governing body for wills and probate solicitors will highlight its advice services to those across England and Wales.
The Choose Quality Advice campaign helmed by The Law Society will promote the benefits of using a solicitor to the general public. It will educate people on how to avoid any pitfalls when dealing with . . . → Read More: The Law Society promote legal advice campaign
I want to complete the accounts for my father’s estate but cannot do so until Santander releases the funds
My father, born on 15 December 1911, died on 14 December 2010. I am sole executor of his estate and obtained probate in early March. I rang Santander on 10 . . . → Read More: Santander won’t release my father’s cash
Around one in five Brits have already received part of their inheritance from their parents, according to a new study.
Research from Skipton Financial Services (SFS) has suggested an increasing amount of families are turning to their parents for financial support before they pass away.
British civil partnerships finally recognised by French probate law
When Geoff Page died in 2008 in Loir-et-Cher, he left his home to his civil partner Jerry Lea. According to Pink News, at the time of Mr Page’s death, France didn’t recognise British civil partnerships and Mr Lea had to pay 60% inheritance tax on the property.
If the estate of the departed has inheritance tax owed on it, which at current levels is arranged at 40% for estates worth £325,000 or further, so therefore this is payable either in part or full before a ‘Grant of Probate’ will be issued.
A living will is also called an “Advanced Medical Directive.” It is a legal document created to make clear your wishes if you become incapacitated and are unable to convey your wishes.
Resealing of a Grant of Probate in the UK: Probate Abroad
The last 30 years as seen record numbers of people leave the UK and live abroad. Given the ease of computer banking and communication generally, most people when emigrating, will often keep a bank account, property or a pension scheme in the UK. So what happens . . . → Read More: Resealing of a Grant of Probate in the UK: Probate Abroad
A legal battle is still ongoing over the estate of a TV presenter who died in 2006.
Timothy Hadcock-Mackay was best known for hosting such TV shows as ’Time to Get Your House in Order’ and ‘Can You Live Without’ but after suffering with depression and seeing the company of which he was chairman go bust, owing £1 million, he . . . → Read More: Will of TV presenter who died in 2006 still being contested
Whilst the thought of writing a will may not be particularly enjoyable, it is certainly worthwhile, an expert has suggested.
Speaking to nebusiness.co.uk, probate specialist for high-wealth individuals Helen Tavroges advised that despite many people opting to put off writing a will, doing so could mean that the people you want to give your estate to could . . . → Read More: Expert offers advice to people thinking of writing a will
A will left by Christopher Cazenove reveals that the former matinée idol and soap star ‘blew his fortune.’
The English actor, famed for his role as Ben Carrington in Dynasty, died of septicaemia in April 2010, an infection he contracted after being treated for migraines, according to The Telegraph.
Legendary trade union leader Jimmy Reid has left a £73,000 estate to his wife Joan, it has emerged.
The Daily Record report that Reid had managed to save around £65,000 in various bank accounts from his time as a shipyard stalwart, journalist and broadcaster.
A new company in South Tyneside that offers a dove-releasing service is to target a new event – funerals.
According to Shieldsgazette.com, the company – Dove Release – is run by taxi driver David Lomas. He recognised that many people like the symbolism of releasing doves at big events and thought he could find success by targeting funerals.
Over 1,000 confidential files relating to people’s wills have been found on a pavement in Doncaster, Traineesolicitor.co.uk has reported.
It confirmed that the files were dumped by a local will-writing company that went bankrupt in March, after its director died unexpectedly.
A kind-hearted person found the will-related documents and contacted the Society of Will Writers (SWW) to ask its advice. The . . . → Read More: Confidential files found on Doncaster pavement
A crematorium in Wales is offering its customers the chance to view funerals online, either via a live stream or a playback service, Forbes.com revealed.
This would mean mourners who missed the service can view it on their computer for up to seven days after it took place.
There are many ways in which to make the probate process as simple and cost-effective as possible, according to one tax expert, Tim Cestnick.
However, Cestnick did add on Estatelawyerreviews.com that although there are ways to minimise the financial strain of probate, it is also important to understand value probate solicitors provide.
Around 20,000 estates throughout the UK have been unclaimed; leaving the potential for just as many unwitting people to be heirs to a fortune.
According to The Telegraph‘s Teresa Hunter, in the past year alone, £21 million has been paid out to un-expecting Britons; thanks to the inheritance they never knew they had.
More details have emerged from the deceased estate of fashion designer Alexander McQueen, including that he left £50,000 to his bull terriers.
McQueen – an avid pet lover – also donated £100,000 to four charities; including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in South London. The Blue Cross animal welfare charity in Burford, Oxfordshire was another lucky recipient.
An expert has advised that planning for the future is particularly important for couples who have children, telling The Guardian that it is “essential.”
Emma Lunn said that once a family had been started, thinking about how each of the family members would be protected should one of them die is vital.
A 66-year-old widow is in embroiled in a bitter probate will dispute with her three stepdaughters over the estate of her deceased husband.
George Wharton, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in the travel business, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and was told he had only days to live.
A convention set to be held in Bournemouth this August will showcase some of the world’s most “eye-catching” funeral merchandise, according to the Bournemouth Echo.
It confirmed that the event, called the ‘Six Feet Under Convention’, celebrates both death and the popular television series of the same name.
Legal proceedings have been launched after the mother of a deceased soldier argued that she has the right to decide where he is buried, not the soldier’s widow.
According to Buryontheweb.com, Mark Connolly died earlier this year. However he has still not been buried after a fight broke out between his mother and his widow over where his final resting place . . . → Read More: Legal proceedings over soldier’s burial
A High Court judge has ruled that The Duke of Manchester’s illegitimate children are the legal heirs to his multi-million pound estate.
The landmark decision means that Alexander Montagu’s 18-year-old son, also named Alexander, and his daughter Ashley, 12, are now free to inherit their father’s assets; despite being born into a bigamous marriage.