Wills Articles

If you’ve been named as an executor in someone’s will, it can feel daunting. This step-by-step guide explains an executor’s duties, from locating the will and securing assets to probate, tax, paying debts and distributing the estate, along with what to do if you need help or cannot act.

Cryptocurrency is a mainstream financial asset, yet very few owners make provisions for it in their wills. Discover why crypto requires special estate planning and learn the practical steps to ensure your digital wealth isn’t lost forever.

Dying without a will means losing control over who inherits your estate. The rules of intestacy determine exactly who receives what, and the results can be surprising, particularly for cohabiting partners and stepchildren.

Mirror wills are a popular choice for couples who want to leave their estates to each other and then to the same beneficiaries. Understanding both the benefits and limitations is essential before deciding if mirror wills are right for your family.

Understanding the language and clauses within your will is crucial for ensuring your final wishes are properly documented and legally sound. Here are 8 common Will clauses.

In today’s globalised world, it is increasingly common to own property in more than one country which can add complexity to an estate. Therefore, careful consideration ought to be given when making arrangements for the succession of your estate on death.

Having a professionally written will is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect your assets and avoid unnecessary stress for your family. It puts you in control and ensures that your wishes are carried out after you die.

Many people mistakenly believe that an attorney under an LPA automatically becomes the executor of their estate after their death. This is wrong. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective estate planning and avoiding confusion.

GN Law is proud to participate in the annual Will Aid campaign, offering our clients the opportunity to create or update their wills while supporting a range of UK charities. This initiative runs each November, and spaces are limited, so it’s essential to book early.

GN Law has proudly offered the Cancer Research UK’s Will Writing Service to clients in London for over ten years. This service allows individuals to write or update their wills free of charge, provided they leave a legacy gift to help fund life-saving cancer research.

Understanding how to apply for probate with or without a will, from gathering documents to distributing assets, helping you manage probate, while overcoming any potential hurdles.

Many people assume that having a Will is sufficient for managing their affairs after they pass away, but this overlooks a crucial question: Who will manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity while you’re still alive? This is where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes in.

Deciding how to leave your estate to your children is an important part of estate planning for the future. This article explores the different types of trusts you can include in your will for your children, as well as outlining their potential advantages, disadvantages and suitability in different circumstances.

If a person lacks testamentary capacity, the Court of Protection can order a will, known as a statutory will, to be created on their behalf.

Executors can act together or alone, but an executor cannot go against the terms of the will, breach their fiduciary duty, fail to act, self-deal, embezzle or harm the estate through neglect.

Receiving an inheritance can be the end of a complex process, and unfortunately, some beneficiaries find themselves in a situation where they haven’t received the money they were left in a will.

Most people appoint one or two executors and it’s wise to provide in your will for replacement executors in case one or more of the executors die before you or are unable or unwilling to act as executor after you die.

Probate without a will, also known as intestacy, presents a unique set of challenges in the UK’s legal landscape. When an individual passes away without a will, the distribution of their estate is governed by specific rules, and the process involves obtaining a Grant of Letters of Administration.

When it comes to making important decisions about healthcare and personal matters, individuals have legal tools at their disposal to ensure their wishes are honoured. Two commonly used instruments are the Living Will and the Lasting Power of Attorney. Although both serve similar purposes, they differ in significant ways.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between updating your will and adding a codicil and which option may be best for you.