Estate planning when you’ve been widowed more than once Losing a spouse is one of life’s most profound challenges. When this loss occurs more than once, it magnifies both the emotional and practical complexities involved in moving forward. One area that becomes particularly intricate after being widowed more than once...
Managing pension death benefits outside your will Understanding how your pension death benefits are managed is crucial to ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are properly supported when you’re no longer around. Many people assume that pensions fall within the remit of their will and will be...
How to include future child or grandchild beneficiaries in a will Planning for the future inevitably involves anticipating the unknown. One key component of this planning is drafting a will, a legal document that outlines how your estate should be distributed after your passing. While it may seem straightforward to...
Leaving a property that is subject to shared ownership agreements Shared ownership schemes have become an increasingly popular way for first-time buyers and those with lower incomes to take a step onto the property ladder. Despite the advantages of affordability and lower initial investment, circumstances often change, and homeowners may...
How to prevent undue influence when drafting your will Understanding the risks and implications associated with undue influence is essential when creating a will. This concern can not only invalidate a person’s final wishes but also engender family disputes, lengthy legal challenges, and substantial financial consequences. Ensuring that a will...
Planning for charitable foundations or scholarships in your will Understanding how your legacy can continue making a difference after your lifetime is a meaningful step in estate planning. Many individuals who have supported charitable organisations during their lives or who have an enduring passion for education, healthcare, the arts, or...
Special considerations for estates that include timeshares When planning or administering an estate, various types of assets must be considered, including real property, investment accounts, collectibles, personal belongings, and digital assets. Among these, timeshares often present unique and complex challenges that can significantly affect estate planning and probate administration. Timeshares,...
How to pass on vintage cars or classic vehicle collections Collecting vintage cars or classic vehicles is often much more than a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion, a labour of love, and for many, a significant financial investment. These collections can represent decades of effort, meticulous restorations, hard-to-find acquisitions, and tangible...
Inheritance planning for couples with different domiciles Navigating the complex interplay between personal relationships and international legal regimes can be a daunting task, particularly when it involves matters of inheritance. For couples who hail from different domiciles—meaning their permanent home or legal residence lies in separate countries—the intricacies of estate...
Leaving behind a digital business: what your will needs to say In an increasingly digitised world, many entrepreneurs have built valuable businesses that exist primarily or entirely online. These digital enterprises—ranging from e-commerce stores and online consultancy platforms to YouTube channels, affiliate marketing streams, and software-as-a-service operations—can represent significant assets...
Managing inheritance when beneficiaries are in legal disputes Understanding how to navigate inheritance issues becomes significantly more complex when the beneficiaries of an estate are engaged in legal disputes. Often rooted in deep-seated familial tensions or differing interpretations of a will, these disputes can delay the distribution of assets and...
How to include family trusts in divorce planning Divorce is a significant life event that involves the disentangling of emotional, personal, and financial relationships. Among the myriad of financial considerations, family trusts can present complex challenges. When a couple decides to separate, determining how assets held in trust factor into...
What to know about passing on loyalty points and rewards schemes In today’s consumer landscape, loyalty programmes have become an integral part of shopping behaviour, travel habits, and everyday spending. Millions of individuals accumulate airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, and retail loyalty credits over years of consistent use....
Using letters of wishes to guide trustees and executors Estate planning is a nuanced and deeply personal process, involving not only legal instruments such as wills and trusts but also more informal guidance tools that help align the execution of an estate with the values and preferences of the testator...
Creating separate wills for assets held in different jurisdictions In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is not uncommon for individuals to possess property and financial interests across different countries. Whether it’s a holiday home in Spain, investment property in Canada, or bank accounts in Singapore, holding assets in separate jurisdictions...
Ensuring pets with long lifespans are cared for in your estate Estate planning is often a deeply personal and thoughtful process, ensuring that one’s wishes are honoured and loved ones are cared for after passing. However, many people overlook one critical component of this planning: the lifelong care of their...
Writing a will after receiving a large compensation payout Receiving a large compensation payout, whether due to a personal injury claim, a workplace accident settlement, or medical negligence, can be a life-changing event. It often comes after an emotionally and physically taxing experience, and while the compensation provides financial security,...
Estate planning tips for frequent travellers and digital nomads Living a life of adventure, whether that means hopping between countries or working remotely from diverse locations across the globe, can be exhilarating. However, frequent travelling and digital nomadism come with their own unique challenges, especially when it comes to preparing...
How to protect intellectual property rights in your estate Understanding how to secure your intellectual property as part of your legacy has become increasingly important in this digital and globalised era. From authors and inventors to entrepreneurs and designers, more individuals are generating valuable intellectual assets that may have enduring...
Including military pensions and veteran benefits in your will Estate planning is a crucial aspect of ensuring the smooth transition of assets and entitlements after death. For military veterans, the process requires particular attention to how military pensions and veteran benefits are considered and integrated. These entitlements are often a...
What to do when beneficiaries live abroad Managing an estate is inherently complex, but when beneficiaries reside abroad, that complexity increases significantly. From navigating legal jurisdictions and foreign tax laws to ensuring timely and safe distribution of assets, executors must address various cross-border issues carefully. These situations are increasingly common...
How to handle foreign marriages and UK inheritance laws Understanding how foreign marriages interact with inheritance laws in the UK is essential for individuals with cross-border family ties or international relationships. Globalisation, migration, and multicultural societies have resulted in a significant number of people entering marriages that take place outside...
Estate planning for couples without children When many people think about organising their estate, their minds often jump to making provisions for children. But not all couples have children, and estate planning is just as essential—if not more so—for them. Whether by choice or circumstance, couples without children face distinct...
Leaving cryptocurrency and NFTs in your will: UK legal considerations In an increasingly digital world, assets are no longer confined to physical properties, savings accounts, or traditional investments. A growing number of individuals are accumulating wealth in the form of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These digital assets present unique...
How to use trusts to protect family members with addiction or financial issues Understanding how to provide for vulnerable or at-risk family members can be one of the most delicate and complex responsibilities facing a family. When those concerns involve addiction issues or financial instability, the desire to support a...
Including loans made to family members in your will When creating an estate plan, many individuals consider how their assets will be distributed among loved ones — property, savings, investments, and personal belongings are all typically accounted for. However, one commonly overlooked but highly significant detail is whether you have...
Creating succession plans for farms or agricultural estates Planning for the future of a farm or agricultural estate is one of the most significant and sensitive decisions a landowner or farming family can face. These enterprises often carry not only considerable financial value but also deep emotional and cultural ties...
Providing ongoing maintenance for historic or listed properties Understanding how to maintain historic or listed properties is essential not only to preserve architectural heritage but also to comply with legal obligations and safeguard long-term property value. Owners and custodians of such buildings face a unique set of challenges that differ...
The impact of religious beliefs on your will and estate decisions Understanding how faith shapes decisions around end-of-life planning is a significant yet often sensitive consideration. For many individuals, religious tenets profoundly influence their values, ethics, and ultimately the choices they make with regard to their assets, responsibilities, and legacies....
Writing a will when you’re in the process of divorce Going through a divorce is a time fraught with emotional complexities, legal intricacies, and a multitude of decisions that can influence your future substantially. Amid the division of assets, child custody arrangements, and redefining of personal spaces, one critical aspect...
How to structure charitable trusts for ongoing giving Establishing a charitable trust is a significant step for individuals and families who wish to make a lasting impact through philanthropy. It serves as a structured and enduring mechanism to support causes and communities that align with one’s values. With strategic planning...
Guidance for writing wills after adoption or surrogacy When a child joins a family through adoption or surrogacy, it’s an occasion filled with joy, transformation, and new responsibilities. Amid the flurry of emotional and legal preparations, one critical task often overlooked is updating, or in some cases creating, a will....
Establishing a will if you’ve recently become a UK resident Moving to a new country brings with it a host of practical and legal considerations, especially when planning for the future. For those who have recently gained residency in the United Kingdom, drafting a will is an essential yet often...
Leaving a property with tenants: what your will should include Understanding what to include in your will when leaving a property that has existing tenants is essential to ensure your wishes are clearly followed and your loved ones are not burdened with unexpected legal or financial challenges. If you are...
How to ensure business continuity through your will Succession planning is a vital component of ensuring the stability and longevity of any enterprise. For entrepreneurs and business owners, preparing not only for growth but also for unforeseen eventualities is part of responsible leadership. Among the most significant — yet often...
Instructing your solicitor to update your will after major asset sales Updating your will is a crucial aspect of managing your affairs effectively, particularly when there have been notable changes to your asset base. One such change that warrants careful attention is the sale of significant assets, such as property,...
Using a deed of variation to change a will after death The death of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with the legal procedures that follow can add significant strain. One area that may arise during the administration of an estate is the realisation that the...
Including heirlooms and family treasures in your will In the realm of estate planning, financial assets typically take centre stage. However, tangible personal property—such as heirlooms and cherished family treasures—often hold equal, if not greater, emotional importance to loved ones. These items can range from valuable antiques and jewellery to...
Estate planning for carers and those with full-time care responsibilities Understanding the importance of estate planning is critical for everyone, but it takes on an even deeper significance for carers and individuals with full-time care responsibilities. These are often people managing highly complex personal, financial and emotional obligations. Whether caring...
Leaving artwork or collectibles: tax and valuation considerations When planning to pass on artwork or collectibles—whether during one’s lifetime or as part of an estate—it is vital to understand the related tax implications and valuation complexities. These unique assets, often deeply personal and financially valuable, present a distinct set of...
Dealing with UK estates that include foreign pensions Understanding and managing estates in the United Kingdom can be complex, especially when those estates include assets located abroad. Among these potential international components, foreign pensions present unique challenges for executors, beneficiaries, and estate planners alike. With the globalisation of the workforce...
How to name alternate executors in case of unavailability Understanding how to structure a solid and resilient estate plan is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after your death. A critical part of this planning is the appointment of executors – individuals tasked with...
Protecting your digital identity and online content after death In today’s interconnected world, our digital identities are an integral part of our existence. From social media profiles and email accounts to blogs, photo storage platforms, digital banking, and subscription services, we live much of our lives online. As our digital...
Including future royalties or licensing income in your will For many individuals, intellectual property forms a substantial portion of their estate. Whether you’re a musician, author, inventor, visual artist, software developer, or even a social media influencer, your creative or intellectual work may generate income during your lifetime—and well beyond....
How to plan your estate if you’re expecting an inheritance yourself Understanding how to manage your own estate becomes more complex when you are also expecting to inherit from someone else. Such a situation necessitates careful financial planning, foresight, and attention to legal and tax implications. Anticipating an inheritance introduces...
Managing inheritance for stepchildren and non-biological heirs In an era where blended families and complex relationships are becoming increasingly common, estate planning has taken on new dimensions. The rise of stepfamilies has brought about sensitive legal and emotional issues concerning the distribution of assets to stepchildren and non-biological heirs. Managing...
Leaving shares in a family business: structuring your will effectively For many entrepreneurs and business owners, building a family business represents a lifetime of hard work, passion, and commitment. It often stands as a lasting legacy intended to benefit future generations. However, without proper legal and financial planning, the transfer...
Creating a will when you own property through a limited company Owning property through a limited company is a common practice among investors and entrepreneurs in the UK. It comes with several advantages, such as tax efficiency, simplified asset management, and liability protection. However, when it comes to estate planning,...
How to manage joint tenancy vs tenancy in common in your estate plan Understanding how property ownership structures impact your estate plan is fundamental to ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Two of the most common forms of property co-ownership are joint tenancy and...
Leaving assets in staggered distributions for young beneficiaries In estate planning, one of the most critical decisions involves determining how and when your beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. While it may seem straightforward to leave assets to heirs outright, doing so without regard for their age, maturity or capability to...
How to handle jointly owned businesses in a will Estate planning is a crucial part of long-term financial management, especially for individuals who have ownership stakes in businesses. One of the more complex aspects arises when a business is jointly owned—whether with a spouse, family member, or business partner. Planning...
Using family trusts to protect generational wealth Understanding the importance of preserving wealth across generations is an increasingly salient topic for families seeking financial security and long-term prosperity. Whether a family operates a business, owns property, or invests across multiple asset classes, safeguarding these resources for future generations involves more...
How to ensure your pet care wishes are legally enforceable For many, pets are more than just animals—they are beloved members of the family. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other companion animals provide affection, companionship and emotional support. Despite their importance, the law in most jurisdictions still considers pets as...
How to manage digital music and book libraries in estate plans Understanding how to manage digital assets is becoming increasingly important, particularly when it comes to personal collections of music and books. As our lives shift online, the value—both monetary and sentimental—stored in digital libraries can be significant. These libraries...
Estate planning for dual UK-US citizens Understanding the complexities of estate planning is vital for anyone with international ties, and individuals holding dual UK-US citizenship face an especially intricate set of challenges. Navigating the intersection of two sophisticated legal systems, varied tax rules, and differing inheritance laws requires careful strategy....
Leaving instructions for unpublished works or manuscripts In the literary world, unpublished works often hold as much significance as completed, published pieces. Whether they are early drafts, notebooks filled with ideas, or complete manuscripts awaiting an editorial touch, these materials form a substantial part of a writer’s legacy. As such,...
Clarifying burial vs. cremation preferences in your will End-of-life planning is an essential yet often avoided conversation, and among the most personal decisions that individuals face is the choice between burial and cremation. This choice reflects not only practicality but often encompasses aspects of cultural tradition, personal beliefs, religious faith,...
How to provide for long-term care in your will Understanding how to make provisions for long-term care is a critical aspect of comprehensive estate planning. As people live longer, the possibilities of needing various forms of long-term assistance increase. Decisions around care in later life aren’t merely about daily support—they...
Making funeral donations part of your estate planning Making provision for the future extends beyond ensuring wealth is passed on efficiently or taxes are minimised. A thoughtful estate plan considers emotional, social, and ethical responsibilities as well. Among these often-overlooked elements is the decision to direct donations in connection with...
Leaving a legacy to your alma mater or university For many of us, our time at university was transformative. It was more than just academia—it was a defining chapter coloured by intellectual discovery, expanding perspectives, lifelong friendships, and steps towards independence. Our alma mater shaped the people we’ve become and...
When to involve a financial adviser in your estate plan Understanding when to engage a financial adviser in your estate planning process can make a significant difference in ensuring the protection, preservation, and appropriate transfer of wealth across generations. Done effectively, estate planning provides not only peace of mind but...
How to include a foreign marriage or divorce in your will Understanding the implications of international marriages and divorces when preparing your will is crucial for ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes. With the increasing mobility of modern life, it is not uncommon for individuals to marry...
What executors need to know about inheritance tax deadlines Dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away can be emotionally taxing. When named as the executor of their estate, the responsibility deepens as one must manage both legal obligations and complex financial matters. One of the...
How to reduce IHT liability with agricultural property relief Understanding how to reduce Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability is an essential component of effective estate planning in the United Kingdom. For individuals with qualifying agricultural assets, one of the most valuable reliefs provided under the tax system is Agricultural Property Relief,...
Inheritance planning with family investment companies Understanding how to manage and pass on wealth efficiently is a crucial aspect of financial planning. For high-net-worth individuals and families, traditional vehicles such as wills and trusts have long been cornerstones of succession strategy. However, in recent years, a more flexible and potentially...
Navigating will disputes involving mental capacity claims Understanding and managing disagreements over testamentary documents can be complex, particularly when concerns about the mental capacity of the person who made the will come into play. These disputes often involve sensitive family dynamics, emotionally charged backgrounds, and difficult legal questions. Mental capacity...
Preparing your will when you have estranged family members Creating a will is a crucial element of estate planning, allowing individuals to exercise control over the distribution of their assets upon death. It offers the opportunity to ensure that cherished possessions go to the right beneficiaries, dependants are taken care...
What to do when beneficiaries live abroad Understanding the complexities of estate planning is a critical aspect of ensuring your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are cared for after you pass away. The process becomes even more intricate when beneficiaries—those who are set to inherit your estate—reside in...
Setting up life interest trusts for surviving spouses Understanding how to protect loved ones both during and after your lifetime is a key component of thorough estate planning. For many individuals, particularly those in long-term relationships or marriages, there is a desire to provide adequately for a spouse after death...
How to account for second homes in estate planning Owning a second home is a significant achievement and, for many, a rewarding culmination of years of hard work and financial growth. Whether it’s a countryside retreat, a seaside cottage, or an urban apartment, a second property often carries both financial...
Cross-border inheritance: managing EU assets in your UK will In today’s increasingly globalised society, it is not uncommon for individuals to own assets outside their home country. For British citizens, especially those who have spent time living, working, or retiring in European Union (EU) countries, it is quite normal to...
The role of digital vaults in storing your will securely In today’s interconnected world, the transition from traditional forms of document storage to digital solutions has changed how people manage and protect vital information. One of the most important personal legal documents any individual can create is their will. Despite...
Leaving assets to disabled beneficiaries without affecting benefits When planning for the distribution of your estate, it’s natural to want to provide for all your loved ones equally. However, when one of your intended beneficiaries is a disabled individual, careful consideration becomes essential. The needs of a person living with...
Estate planning when you’re part of a cohabiting couple Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial and personal well-being, yet it’s often overlooked, particularly by those in non-traditional relationships. For cohabiting couples—individuals in committed, long-term partnerships who choose not to marry or enter into a civil partnership—the importance of...
How to choose the right guardian for your children in your will The thought of someone else raising your children is understandably uncomfortable and emotional. However, appointing a guardian for your children is an essential aspect of responsible parenting. It ensures that, in the tragic event of your death or...
Distributing cryptocurrency and NFTs in your UK will In today’s increasingly digital world, more individuals are incorporating cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into their investment portfolios. These digital assets can carry significant value, yet when it comes to estate planning, they are often overlooked or misunderstood. Failure to properly account...
Making charitable donations through a residuary estate gift When planning for the future, especially in the context of estate planning, many people find comfort in ensuring that their legacy lives on through meaningful acts. One such act is giving to charity through a will. Among the various methods for including...
The importance of assigning a reserve executor in your will Understanding the intricacies of estate planning is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are carried out smoothly after your death. Among the many critical decisions to make when drafting a will, one that is often overlooked or underestimated is the...
How to plan your estate around your business succession plan For entrepreneurs and business owners, the thought of retirement or the potential for incapacity is often overshadowed by the day-to-day challenges of running a business. However, ensuring business continuity and securing your personal and family legacy requires the strategic alignment...
Navigating probate for non-domiciled individuals in the UK Understanding how the UK probate process applies to individuals who are not domiciled in the UK is vital for executors, beneficiaries, and legal professionals alike. The concept of domicile carries significant weight in determining both inheritance tax liabilities and the procedures required...
How to treat jointly held investments in your estate Understanding how jointly held investments are managed upon death is an essential component of comprehensive estate planning. These types of financial assets can bring both simplicity and complexity to an estate depending on their structure, legal jurisdiction, and the intentions of...
What to do if you suspect undue influence in a will Understanding the complexities of wills and inheritance can be challenging, particularly when there is a suspicion that a will has been influenced by someone with an ulterior motive. When a loved one’s last wishes seem out of character or...
Handling pensions from multiple countries in estate planning Navigating the complexities of managing pensions accumulated in multiple countries is increasingly becoming a common issue for globally mobile individuals. With career paths now frequently spanning across borders, especially for expatriates, diplomats, international executives, and remote workers, handling retirement benefits accrued in...
Why a will is important even if you have a small estate One prevailing myth is that wills are solely for the wealthy or individuals with substantial assets. This misconception causes many people with modest estates to neglect this vital legal document. Regardless of the size of one’s estate, the...
Inheritance planning for childless individuals in the UK Inheritance considerations often bring to mind the traditional image of passing wealth and possessions down to children. But in the United Kingdom, a significant and growing portion of the population is childless, either by choice or circumstance. For these individuals, deciding what...
Leaving inheritance to a non-UK resident: what to consider Making provisions for loved ones in an estate plan is a key component of responsible financial planning. However, when beneficiaries reside outside the UK, the process becomes significantly more intricate. This adds an international dimension to inheritance planning that must be...
How capital gains tax interacts with inherited property Understanding the interaction between capital gains tax and inherited property is essential for anyone dealing with bereavement, estate administration, or long-term wealth planning. While the topic may seem daunting, a clear grasp of the rules can clarify your obligations and potentially save...
Planning for care home fee protection with trusts Understanding how to safeguard one’s assets from care home fees is a concern for many individuals, especially those approaching retirement or those with elderly family members. The increasing cost of residential care has made it critical for families to explore viable strategies...
How to manage inheritance when a beneficiary is bankrupt Understanding the complexities involved in distributing an inheritance is a crucial part of effective estate planning. One of the more challenging situations arises when one of the beneficiaries is an undischarged bankrupt. In such a case, the standard process of transferring...
Leaving instructions for social media accounts Understanding how to manage your digital assets has become as important as handling physical possessions. Among these, social media accounts deserve particular attention due to their deeply personal nature and vast reach. Leaving instructions for what happens to these accounts after your death not...
How marriage after a will affects your estate Marriage marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, bringing with it not only emotional and social changes but also legal ones. One of the less discussed, yet critically important, legal aspects of getting married has to do with estate planning—particularly when...
Handling outstanding taxes as an executor Understanding your responsibilities when dealing with a deceased person’s estate can be daunting, particularly when it comes to addressing any outstanding taxes. Executors are legally responsible for managing the financial affairs of the deceased, which encompasses ensuring that any due taxes are appropriately settled....
The role of step-parents and stepchildren in wills Understanding the dynamics of modern families is essential in the context of estate planning. With blended families becoming increasingly common, the legal and emotional implications of inheritance involving step-parents and stepchildren can be both complex and deeply personal. Planning your estate in...
Including funeral wishes in your will: what you need to know When preparing a will, many individuals focus primarily on the financial aspects — determining how assets will be divided and ensuring their beneficiaries are clearly identified. However, one often overlooked, yet deeply significant, component of end-of-life planning is the...
What happens to a will during bankruptcy proceedings Understanding the interaction between personal bankruptcy and the legal force of a will requires a nuanced examination of both insolvency law and estate planning. When an individual is declared bankrupt, the impact on their personal, financial, and legal affairs is extensive. Many...
Inheritance rights of adopted vs. biological children in the UK Understanding the complexities of inheritance rights is crucial in ensuring the fair distribution of assets upon a person’s death. In the United Kingdom, questions often arise surrounding whether adopted children have the same legal standing as biological children when it...
How to ensure your foreign pension is included in your UK will Understanding the Importance of Including Foreign Pensions in Estate Planning Planning for the future involves more than simply allocating domestic assets and properties. An increasing number of people in the United Kingdom have connections overseas, whether through work,...
Tax considerations when inheriting a buy-to-let property Inheriting property can bring a range of emotions and complexities, especially when the asset involved is a buy-to-let property. While the financial windfall may appear beneficial at first glance, the reality of tax obligations and ongoing responsibilities often requires careful consideration. Rental properties...
Using a deed of variation to amend a will after death A will is a legally binding document outlining an individual’s intentions for the distribution of their estate after death. However, circumstances sometimes arise after a person’s death that were unforeseen during the drafting of their will. Such situations can...
Writing a will when you own property in Scotland and England Understanding the importance of estate planning is fundamental when you own property, particularly when it lies across different legal jurisdictions. For individuals with real estate assets in both Scotland and England, the task of drafting a will becomes more...
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
COPYRIGHT © 2024 MY WILL AND PROBATE
