Author: Contend Legal
Who to Contact and How to Report Domestic Abuse Safely
Understanding Domestic Abuse and Your Rights Domestic abuse is a serious crime in the UK and covers much more than physical violence. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse includes not only physical harm, but also emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and controlling or coercive behaviour by someone you have a personal connection with, such…
Reporting Abuse to the Police: Legal Overview
Introduction to Reporting Abuse to the Police Domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. This can include physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, or harassment. In the UK, domestic abuse is taken very seriously, and the law provides…
How Trusts Created by Wills Work in UK Law Explained
Introduction to Trusts Created by Wills Introduction to Trusts Created by Wills Trusts created by wills, often called “will trusts” or “testamentary trusts,” are legal arrangements set up within a person’s will to manage their assets after death. When you create a will trust, you appoint trustees to look after your estate or specific assets…
How to Register a Death in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction to Registering a Death When someone passes away in the UK, there is a legal requirement to register the death. This process must usually be completed within five days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or within eight days in Scotland. Registering a death is not just a formality – it is a necessary…
Making a Will: UK Legal Overview
Introduction to Making a Will A will is a legal document that lets you decide what happens to your money, property, and personal belongings after you die. It gives you control over how your estate is distributed, ensuring your wishes are followed and helping to prevent disputes among family or friends. By making a will,…
Understanding Inheritance Tax: Thresholds, Rates and Reliefs
What is Inheritance Tax? Inheritance tax is a tax on the money, property, and possessions you leave behind when you die. In the UK, this tax is paid on the value of your estate – the total sum of your assets minus any debts and liabilities – when it exceeds a certain threshold. The rules…
Funerals in the UK: Legal Steps, Costs and Your Rights
Introduction to Funerals in the UK A funeral is a ceremony or gathering held after someone dies, providing an opportunity for family and friends to say goodbye, honour the person’s life, and begin the process of grieving. In the UK, arranging a funeral is not only a deeply personal matter but also involves important legal…
Dying Without a Will (Intestacy): Legal Overview
What Does It Mean to Die Without a Will? When someone dies without leaving a valid will, this is known as dying “intestate.” Intestacy means the law decides who inherits the person’s estate, rather than the wishes of the deceased. In the UK, the distribution of assets in these cases is governed by specific laws,…
Dealing with an Estate (Probate): Legal Overview
Introduction to Dealing with an Estate When someone dies, their money, property, and possessions – known as their estate – need to be dealt with according to the law. This process is called estate administration, and it often involves applying for probate. Probate is the legal authority to manage the estate, which may be required…
How to Challenge a Will in the UK: Grounds and Process
Understanding Will Disputes A will dispute arises when someone challenges the validity or fairness of a will after a person has died. These disputes can be highly emotional, as they often involve family members or close friends who feel they have been treated unfairly or overlooked. Understanding why will disputes happen and how they are…
