How much time would you say that you spend planning a holiday, researching what car to buy, or even searching for a place to have a romantic dinner for two? How does that time compare with the amount of time you spend on estate planning – deciding who will inherit your assets after you have…
This is a term which people often use very loosely, and often think is very easy to do: but changing a name on the title deeds is something which should be approached with extreme caution. The issue usually arises after someone has passed away; but often, during their lifetime, the owner of a property or…
When buying a property in the names of two or more people it is important to consider whether you would like to enter into an agreement to set out such matters as: the shares in which you own the property, the consequences of certain events such as marriage or death and the circumstances in which…
As of 19th August 2019, the updated 2019 Law Society Conveyancing Protocol took effect and replaced the 2011 edition. This is especially important as it covers a range of updates that reflect the ongoing changes within the ever-growing industry. The updates are here to remind anyone involved within the conveyancing field, of their continuing obligations,…
If you are the owner of land and/or buildings that have not been registered with the Land Registry when you take ownership of them, or you wish to take out a mortgage that will be secured against that land or those buildings, then you must first apply for the land and/or buildings to be registered….
This article deals with those who act in a representative capacity for a house owner, as their attorney or deputy. Selling under a Power of Attorney It is important to be aware of the extent of your powers, which will be defined by the type of Power of Attorney you have, and any specific directions…
Jane Whitfield explains the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common in the co-ownership of land. Imagine your house is like an apple. If you own your house as joint tenants, then you both hold this red apple together as a whole. If one of you dies,then the apple passes in its entirety to…
Continuing our series of understanding conveyancing terminology, we look at what fixtures and fittings are and the key differences between them. Fixtures are defined as “forming part of the land” and therefore, as a buyer, you would expect to take over ownership of these items when purchasing a property. In many ways, this makes perfect…
For many separated or divorcing families, the summer period may be the first school holiday where everyone is living separately. Organising time with your family can become complicated and this can lead to tensions between parents and children alike. The fundamental advice is that, wherever possible, do try to keep all arrangements for seeing the…
The programme is based on the work of probate detectives trying to find an eligible relative for a surprise inheritance. So why did 55,000 estates last year pass to the Bona Vacantia Division of the Government? Simply because the deceased failed to make a Will and did not leave any eligible relatives. If you do…
