Steps we’re taking to ensure we continue to serve you Even during these most unusual times, Parnalls are working for you. To ensure that all normal services can be provided throughout this challenging time, we have introduced the following measures: strict social distancing procedures within our office enhanced cleaning including thorough disinfection of surfaces availability …
‘Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow just as well,’ said Mark Twain in 1881 – when on average men died at 50 and women reached 56. Nowadays, average life expectancy for men in the UK is 79 and 83 for women, and one-in-every-fourteen people over 65 is likely …
Christmas is a time for giving and if you are struggling for ideas about what to give your nearest and dearest, and you are keen to reduce the amount of inheritance tax paid to HM Treasury when you die, you might want to talk to your solicitor about how to give away money and assets …
As an executor, you are likely to need a Grant of Probate to enable you to carry out the deceased’s wishes as was set out in their will. The grant is formal confirmation from the probate court that the executors are legally entitled to administer the estate. You must apply for the Grant of Probate …
Coming to terms with the death of your spouse or partner will take time, but at some point you will need to think about financial and legal issues. Once probate has been obtained and their estate has been settled, you may need to think about whether you should make a will – or amend any …
In this day and age there are various different types of funerals which people do need to consider carefully and leave instructions for their family. Once a person has died if no instructions have been left then it falls on the immediate family to make the decision or if there is nobody close then it …
It can be flattering to be asked by a relative or close friend to be a trustee of their estate, but this is a role with important legal obligations and disputes can arise when beneficiaries do not agree with the actions of trustees. One such area of potential disagreement is the amount of information that …
When someone dies, all the assets in the estate will need to be valued as early possible for two key reasons. Firstly, an estate valuation must be provided to the probate court before probate will be granted. Secondly, any inheritance tax (IHT) due will need to be calculated and a payment made. In simple terms, …
Without a valid will that says otherwise, your spouse may inherit most if not all of your assets on your death and any children you have from previous marriages could be left with little or nothing. This is why more and more cases are being brought before the courts by children who have not been …
A recent BBC news article reports that costs to bereaved families for the settlement of the estates of deceased relatives could increase as a result of Government plans to move forward on the introduction of a sliding scale of fees linked to an estate’s value. At present, most people pay a flat fee of £155 …
