Were you taken in by a leaflet put through your letterbox that looked similar to this? Or perhaps you were invited to attend a seminar locally called “Keep It In the Family”, run by Universal Wealth Preservation or any of its associated companies? The police’s Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit is investigating over 100 reports of fraudulent activity…
As a Firm we regularly advise our clients of the importance of a Power of Attorney and the usual response, quite understandably, is “I don’t think I am in a position to need one of those yet”. We have recently been instructed in several cases where unfortunately, a person has lost their capacity to articulate…
Administering the Estate of a loved one or friend can be an extremely challenging experience, particularly when acting without legal advice. We have therefore outlined a few points of interest that may assist you along the way. If you would like to discuss the administration of an Estate with a member of our team then…
There are two kinds of Power of Attorney that are commonly used today, Enduring and Lasting, and both must be registered before they will be recognised by organisations with which an Attorney might need to communicate. The registration process differs hugely between the two kinds of document and, thankfully, has become a much more straightforward…
As Reading-based solicitors we often get involved in contested or contentious probate issues. There’s a lot of wealth in the Thames Valley and not everyone dies leaving a will that’s properly thought out. Some people will find it surprising that you can make a claim when you have not inherited what you expected from someone…
Last year, HM Courts and Tribunals Service proposed a massive increase to the fees charged to obtain probate. This would have seen the charges for the most valuable estates increase to £20,000. Currently, the fees are fixed at £155 for Solicitor applications and £215 for personal applicants. The plans were dropped ahead of the 2017…
Many of our clients after having their Wills drawn up by our team return to our offices in Reading to get them signed and witnessed. Some may wonder if it is worth the trek through the increasingly busy city centre, just to sign a document! But, the benefit of doing so ensures that your newly…
A Power of Attorney is a document whereby an individual, the “Donor”, appoints individuals or professionals to act on their behalf when they are unable to act for themselves, known as the “Attorneys”. Such inability might arise as a result of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia; but equally if you suffered brain damage as a result…
In most estates, it will usually be necessary to obtain a grant of representation to realise and administer the assets of the deceased. But sometimes, there can be a dispute who has the right to take on this role, and in what capacity. These situations usually (but not always) arise where there is no valid…
When thinking about your Will, it can be very difficult to decide who you would like to act as your Executors. An Executor completes all the administrative tasks associated with your death, including applying for probate and distributing your assets to the beneficiaries of your Will. There are certain situations where it might be beneficial…
