As of September 2020, the Wills Act 1837 will be amended to allow the two Will witnesses to be virtually or physically present. This is a very welcomed announcement due to the challenges placed by those trying to plan for their future during the COVID-19 pandemic. With shielding, isolation and social distancing measures in place […]
It’s no secret – the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posed several challenges to almost every aspect of our lives. The Wills and probate industry is no exception. Processes, laws and timelines have all been pushed to their limits over the past few months as we navigate through this global crisis. Things that we have all […]
In June, it was widely reported that HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) had been receiving a surge in probate applications. The Government tried to manage the surge in demand by hiring additional staff and upskilling existing staff to clear the backlog which resulted in average turnaround times of five to six weeks. In a […]
So many couples make “Mirror Wills” that leave everything to each other, assuming their estate will benefit their partner for life and then go to their children or grandchildren. Sadly, that’s not always what happens…… What is a Mirror Will Mirror Wills are simply identical Wills that a couple make, leaving everything to each other and […]
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? An LPA covers decisions about your financial affairs, or your health and care. It comes in effect if you lose mental capacity, or if you no longer want to make decisions for yourself. You would set up an LPA if you want to make sure you’re covered […]
Cryptocurrency is digital money that is stored in a virtual wallet and uses encryption techniques to generate currency and verify the transfer of funds. Cryptocurrency is once again in the spotlight after this latest security blow hit the headlines. One of the world’s largest digital coin exchanges, Binance, admitted that hackers had stolen over £30million in […]
Video Will witnessing now legal in England and Wales
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldAs of September 2020, the Wills Act 1837 will be amended to allow the two Will witnesses to be virtually or physically present. This is a very welcomed announcement due to the challenges placed by those trying to plan for their future during the COVID-19 pandemic. With shielding, isolation and social distancing measures in place […]
Wills, probate and estate administration in a COVID-19 world
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldIt’s no secret – the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posed several challenges to almost every aspect of our lives. The Wills and probate industry is no exception. Processes, laws and timelines have all been pushed to their limits over the past few months as we navigate through this global crisis. Things that we have all […]
COVID-19 impacts probate applications
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldIn June, it was widely reported that HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) had been receiving a surge in probate applications. The Government tried to manage the surge in demand by hiring additional staff and upskilling existing staff to clear the backlog which resulted in average turnaround times of five to six weeks. In a […]
Is a Mirror Will right for you and your partner?
/1 Comment/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldSo many couples make “Mirror Wills” that leave everything to each other, assuming their estate will benefit their partner for life and then go to their children or grandchildren. Sadly, that’s not always what happens…… What is a Mirror Will Mirror Wills are simply identical Wills that a couple make, leaving everything to each other and […]
Dementia And The Benefits Of A Lasting Power Of Attorney
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldWhat is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? An LPA covers decisions about your financial affairs, or your health and care. It comes in effect if you lose mental capacity, or if you no longer want to make decisions for yourself. You would set up an LPA if you want to make sure you’re covered […]
Over £30million in Bitcoin stolen raising concerns about the safety of cryptocurrency
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Nigel SchofieldCryptocurrency is digital money that is stored in a virtual wallet and uses encryption techniques to generate currency and verify the transfer of funds. Cryptocurrency is once again in the spotlight after this latest security blow hit the headlines. One of the world’s largest digital coin exchanges, Binance, admitted that hackers had stolen over £30million in […]