What To Do After a Death

What To Do After a Death

Losing someone brings grief and paperwork at the same time. However, you do not need to solve everything immediately. After a death, you should start with the important steps, then move through the estate gradually. Registering the Death First, make sure the...
What is a Cy-près Clause?

What is a Cy-près Clause?

A Cy-près clause is a provision often included in a Last Will and Testament or trust document. It explains what should happen if a charitable gift cannot proceed as planned. This clause gives clear instructions to trustees or personal representatives. As a result,...
Should Business Owners Have a Will?

Should Business Owners Have a Will?

Running a business takes hard work and long hours. Business owners will spend decades creating something of value; a business that not only supports their lifestyle but also provides for their family and employees, while impacting the wider community. Despite this...
Guardians in a Will After Divorce

Guardians in a Will After Divorce

Divorce does not automatically cancel every arrangement that parents made for their children, including their appointed guardians. However, guardians will not take over while a parent with parental responsibility remains alive. Read more: Appointing a Guardian for...
Different Guardians for Your Children

Different Guardians for Your Children

Choosing guardians for your children can feel like one of the hardest parts of writing a Last Will and Testament. However, parents sometimes name different guardians. Most parents just want certainty about who would care for their children after both parents die. In...
What is a Minors Clause?

What is a Minors Clause?

A Minors Clause is a section within a Last Will and Testament that explains how assets should be handled for beneficiaries under 18. It typically covers: How the inheritance will be held Who will manage the assets When the beneficiary will receive them Whether funds...
Including a Preferred Name in a Will

Including a Preferred Name in a Will

A preferred name is the name someone choose to use in daily life. You can use a preferred name in many everyday situations, such as social settings or informal records. In these cases, organisations focus on what you wish to be called. They do not need to verify your...
Overseas Assets in a Will

Overseas Assets in a Will

Owning assets overseas can add value to your estate. However, it can also create complications with tax and administration. A Last Will and Testament made in the UK may cover some overseas assets effectively. Even so, it may not control every asset in the way you...
What are Charitable Bequests?

What are Charitable Bequests?

Charitable bequests are gifts left to a registered charity in your Last Will and Testament. It forms part of your estate plan and takes effect after your death. This gift can include: Money Property Shares Possessions Part of your estate People also refer to...
Using a Codicil to Update Your Will

Using a Codicil to Update Your Will

A Codicil is a legal document that allows you to amend an existing Last Will and Testament. It does not replace your original Will. Instead, it works alongside it and updates specific sections while keeping the rest intact. You can think of a Codicil as a formal...
Chattels in a Will

Chattels in a Will

When people prepare a Last Will and Testament, they often focus on property and savings. However, personal belongings can carry just as much importance. These belongings, or Chattels can become an important part of your estate. What are Chattels? Chattels are tangible...
What is Probate?

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to deal with a person’s estate after they pass away. The estate includes everything the person owned (such as property and possessions) and any outstanding debts. Probate ensures the the gathering of...
Privileged Wills for Active Service Personnel

Privileged Wills for Active Service Personnel

A Last Will and Testament protects your wishes and ensures your estate passes according to your intentions. However, standard legal rules do not always suit those in high-risk roles. Therefore, the law provides Privileged Wills as an alternative, which do not follow...
The Minimum Age to Write a Will

The Minimum Age to Write a Will

Many people believe that writing a Last Will and Testament only matters later in life. However, this belief often leads to missed opportunities for proper planning. In reality, understanding the minimum age to write a Will can help you take control of your future...
Appointing a Guardian for Your Children

Appointing a Guardian for Your Children

Appointing a guardian allows you to stay in control of your children’s future. Without a valid appointment, the court will decide who cares for them. In most cases, your children will be put into foster care by Social Services. This means your children will live...
STEP Provisions

STEP Provisions

A Last Will and Testament is more than just a list of who gets what. It should be legally sound and easy to interpret. That’s where STEP Provisions become a part of modern Will drafting. These clauses provide consistency and legal strength to your Will. What are...
What is an Apostille?

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Legislation Office to confirm that a document is genuine. It checks signatures, stamps and seals against official records. If they match, the office attaches the certificate to the document. As a result,...
What Happens If a Director Dies?

What Happens If a Director Dies?

The death of a director is more than a personal tragedy. If a director dies suddenly, it can bring a business to standstill. However, with the right documentation and agreements in place, businesses can continue to operate. A director’s responsibilities extend...
Gifts in a Will

Gifts in a Will

Making a Last Will and Testament gives you control over your estate. Gifts in your Will allow you to your support loved ones and causes that matter to you. When you prepare a Will, you should review your assets in detail. For some families, a financial gift creates...
What are Mirror Wills?

What are Mirror Wills?

A Mirror Will refers to two separate Wills that reflect each other’s wishes. Couples usually create them at the same time and each partner signs their own legal document. Although the Wills often appear almost identical, each Will remains completely independent....
What is a Deliberate Exclusion?

What is a Deliberate Exclusion?

A deliberate exclusion is when someone intentionally leaves a person out of their Last Will and Testament. The decision is deliberate and not by mistake. Simply, the person writing the Will has actively chosen not to benefit a specific individual. People choose to...
Testamentary Capacity

Testamentary Capacity

Testamentary Capacity refers to a person’s mental ability to make or amend a valid Lasting Will and Testament. This means the individual, known as the Testator, must clearly understand what they are doing when drafting their Will. This legality ensures the final...
What is a Testator?

What is a Testator?

A Testator is a person who writes and signs a Last Will and Testament. The Will explains how that person wants their assets distributed after death. The decisions written in the Will form the foundation of the person’s estate plan. These instructions guide...
What is a Trustee?

What is a Trustee?

A Trustee is the person appointed to manage assets held in a trust. They take legal responsibility for those assets and manage them for the benefit of beneficiaries. However, the trustee must always follow the instructions written in the trust or Last Will and...