Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy and the administrative burden of probate can feel overwhelming at an already difficult time. One of the most common questions our clients ask is: ‘What documents do I need?’ This guide sets out the key documents typically required to obtain a Grant of Probate […]
Common Documents Required for Probate in England & Wales Read More »
If you’ve ever seen the claim that it’s illegal to “handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances” in the UK, you’ve probably assumed it was one of those quirky, long-forgotten laws dug up for a pub quiz. And while the phrase does sound faintly absurd, Section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986 is very much in
What Is the Suspicious Salmon Law? Read More »
Trusts can seem complicated, but a bare trust is one of the most straightforward legal arrangements available in the UK. Whether you’re planning for a child’s future, managing an inheritance, or holding assets on behalf of someone else, a bare trust could be exactly what you need. What Is a Bare Trust? A bare trust
What Is a Bare Trust? Read More »
Marriage is one of the most joyful milestones in life, but it also carries significant legal implications that many couples overlook until it’s too late. Beyond the flowers and the venue, your wedding day creates a legally binding contract. This checklist will help ensure you’re as prepared legally as you are romantically. Give Notice of
Getting Married? Your Legal Checklist Read More »
Every December, alongside the mulled wine and questionable office karaoke, one myth resurfaces with the persistence of tinsel: that eating a mince pie on Christmas Day is illegal in the UK. Yes, apparently Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan pals outlawed our beloved festive pastry, and the law has never been repealed. Let’s go back to
Have You Heard About the Curious Case of the Illegal Mince Pie? Read More »
When planning for the future, many people focus on their Will or Trust. But there’s another document that can offer valuable guidance: a Letter of Wishes. This informal, non-binding letter sits alongside your Will or Trust and gives personal direction to those managing your estate. It’s not a legal substitute, but it can be a
What Is a Letter of Wishes? Read More »
Writing a will is a vital step in planning for the future, but it’s only useful if it can be found when it’s needed. If your executor doesn’t know where to locate it, or if it’s locked away somewhere inaccessible, your wishes might never be carried out. While there’s no legal requirement for where you
How Should I Store My Will? Read More »
Many people in the UK assume that if you’re married or in a civil partnership, your spouse automatically inherits everything when you die. The truth is, it depends on several factors, including whether you have children, jointly owned property, or even a will. Here’s a practical guide to help you understand what really happens under
Does My Spouse Automatically Inherit Everything If I Die? Read More »
When writing a will, it’s just as important to know what not to include as it is to know what should go in. Including the wrong items could lead to confusion, delays, or even legal complications for the people you leave behind. Here are five things to leave out of your will—and what to do
5 Things You Shouldn’t Include in Your Will. Read More »
Pension savings are usually not covered by your will, so your provider needs separate instructions to understand your preferences. An expression of wish form tells your pension provider who you’d like to receive your pension savings if you die before taking your pension. This applies to most workplace and private pensions. It is not legally
What Happens to Your Pension if You Pass Away Before Retiring? Read More »
