Category: Wills and Death
Executor Duties: How to Handle Estate Assets and Debts
Introduction to Executor Duties Introduction to Executor Duties When someone passes away, it is often the executor named in their will who takes on the responsibility of managing their estate. An executor is a trusted individual (or sometimes more than one person) appointed to ensure that the deceased’s wishes, as set out in their will,…
Estate Administration Costs and Timelines Explained Simply
Introduction to Estate Administration Costs and Timelines Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a person’s assets after they have passed away. This involves identifying all the assets and debts, paying any outstanding liabilities (such as taxes or loans), and ensuring everything is distributed according to the will or, if there is no…
How to Apply for Letters of Administration in the UK
What Are Letters of Administration? When someone dies without leaving a valid will, their estate – the money, property, and possessions they leave behind – cannot be managed or distributed until someone is legally authorised to do so. This legal authorisation is called "letters of administration." In simple terms, letters of administration are an official…
Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will? UK Intestacy Rules
What Is Intestacy? When someone dies without leaving a valid will, they are said to have died “intestate.” This situation is known as intestacy. In these cases, the law steps in to decide how the deceased person’s money, property, and possessions – collectively known as their estate – are distributed. Intestacy rules are a set…
How to Change or Revoke Your Will Legally in the UK
Introduction to Changing or Revoking Your Will Introduction to Changing or Revoking Your Will Changing or revoking your will means legally updating or cancelling your previous instructions about what should happen to your money, property, and possessions after you die. In UK law, a will is a formal document that sets out your wishes, but…
How to Choose Executors and Guardians for Your Will
Introduction to Executors and Guardians When you make a will, two of the most important decisions you’ll face are who to appoint as your executors and, if you have children under 18, who to choose as their guardians. These roles carry significant responsibility and can have a lasting impact on how your wishes are carried…
How to Sign and Witness a Will Correctly in the UK
Introduction to Formal Requirements for Wills Introduction to Formal Requirements for Wills Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are followed after your death. However, for a will to be legally valid in the UK, it must meet certain formal requirements. These rules exist to…
Understanding Different Types of Wills and Codicils UK
Introduction to Types of Wills and Codicils Introduction to Types of Wills and Codicils A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your money, property, and possessions (your “estate”) to be distributed after your death. Having a valid will ensures your wishes are respected and can help prevent disputes among loved…
Eligibility Rules: Who Can Legally Make a Will in the UK
Introduction to Making a Valid Will Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are respected after your death. A valid will gives you control over how your property, money, and personal belongings are distributed, helping to avoid uncertainty or disputes among loved ones. Without a…
