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 Yes, apparently Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan pals outlawed our beloved festive pastry, and the law has never been repealed.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 […]

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

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

Choosing an attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Whether it’s for financial decisions, healthcare, or both, your attorney will have significant responsibility—so it’s crucial to pick someone you trust. But who is the best person for the role? Let’s break it down.

As the new year begins, many of us reflect on our lives, make resolutions, and set goals for the months ahead. While it’s common to focus on health, finances, or career aspirations, one area often overlooked is estate planning. The start of a new year is an ideal time to review or create an estate

It may be tempting to update your will or other estate documents yourself, especially with the growing number of online resources available. However, UK estate laws can be complex and even minor errors can render your estate plan ineffective. Mistakes could lead to disputes among beneficiaries, unintended tax consequences, or the will being declared invalid

There are several situations where it makes sense to hire a probate lawyer to help with the administration of an estate. Probate, the legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs, can be complex and time-consuming, especially when certain complications arise. In other cases, the process may be straightforward enough that professional legal assistance isn’t

Trusts are a vital tool in estate planning, providing flexibility, control and protection over howassets are managed and distributed to beneficiaries. While the concept may seem complex, trusts can offer significant benefits when set up correctly. This guide will walk you through the main types of trusts available in the UK, their pros and cons

If you currently have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), you might be wondering whether it’s time to transition to a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Here’s a refreshed look at the key differences and benefits of LPAs compared to EPAs, and why making the switch could be advantageous. What is an Enduring Power of