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When a person dies their property, finances and possessions, known as the ‘estate’, are inherited. This is usually by a family member; however, it can be anyone you wish, providing you make a valid Will. If there is no valid Will, the estate will be inherited by the next of kin. This is known as the “Rules of Intestacy” or the Intestacy Rules.
Continue reading “What are the ‘Rules of Intestacy’?”
Continue reading “What Will Happen to my Home When I Die?”
A girl who was born to face a lifetime of severe disability at a Sheffield hospital will receive £3.5m in compensation from the NHS. Born about eight weeks prematurely, she suffered a brain haemorrhage. Now 10 years old, she has hydrocephalus, developmental delays and partial left-sided paralysis due to the birth injury.
Continue reading “Girl born with disabilities due to birth injuries awarded £3.5m compensation”
The Government has this week released guidance regarding people who lack mental capacity and how consent is given for them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The new guidance impacts those who need support when making decisions for themselves and for those who have decision making authority for a person who lacks capacity to consent, through a lasting power of attorney (LPA) or deputyship order.
Continue reading “Lasting Power of Attorney and the COVID-19 Vaccine”
Continue reading “How do you deal with an estate after someone dies? – Ask an Expert”
Continue reading “Why do I need to pay a Solicitor to make a Will? – Ask an Expert”
It’s common for people to accept loans from family members or friends. This can be to help pay for mortgage deposits, home repairs, to cover business investments or help pay for large purchases, to name a few.
As the loans are handled ‘informally’, they tend to lack any clarity of what will happen if the lender passes away. This, we know from experience, can lead to problems.
Our Wills, Trusts & Probate department often receive enquiries regarding repayment of ‘informal loans’ between family and friends, and what happens after the lender passes away.
The common questions are:
Do debts have to be repaid to the lender if they pass away?
If money is borrowed from a family and they pass away, do I have to pay this back?
Continue reading “What happens when someone dies and you owe them money? – Ask an Expert”
The Christmas holidays can create pressure within relationships; with many choosing to stay together until the end of the family season, however, early January is when many couples reach the end of their tether. The first Monday of January – which will be the 4th in 2021 – has been dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ by family law solicitors who notice the significant spike in separation enquiries at this time.
Continue reading “4th of January – National Divorce Day”
Continue reading “What is a Cohabitation Agreement? – Ask an Expert”
The Government announced on November 23rd that the local lock down will end on Wednesday 2nd December and local restrictions will apply to all areas of England. As many areas of South Yorkshire are predicted to fall back into tier 3, we cover what this will mean for you and your family.
Continue reading “Local Restrictions: What you need to know”