Wills

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
8th October 2018

When making your will you need to appoint at least one executor who will be responsible for the important task of dealing with your estate on your death.  Deciding who to appoint is one of the most important decisions you will ever ...

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
6th September 2018

You may have seen in the press recently that Aretha Franklin died without leaving a Will.  One can only speculate as to the problems this may cause for those she leaves behind as they seek to distribute her estate, estimated to be in ...

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
16th July 2018

In 2017 new rules were introduced to allow home owners to a claim an additional allowance to reduce their Inheritance Tax (or IHT) liability.  This news came as a welcome relief to many homeowners wishing to pass their most prized ...

Key to success
7th March 2018

We are delighted to announce that Clare Ridout in our Wills, Probate and Trusts department has successfully gained her STEP qualification. The STEP Diploma is a highly regarded academic qualification in the practice area of Will, ...

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
29th November 2017

You may have heard people talk about “living wills”.  Whereas a standard Will deals with who inherits your money and property on your death, a living will can be used to make decisions in advance about your wishes regarding particular ...

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
5th April 2017

What is probate and when would I need it? When somebody dies, sometimes it is necessary for you to apply for a grant of representation to be able to deal with the deceased’s assets – this is known as applying for probate. Whether ...

MacDonald Oates LLP Solicitors
9th March 2017

Patrick Jenkins, Partner and Head of Litigation looks at some of the legal issues which can arise where no will, or a deficient will, has been prepared and why it is important to ensure that you have an up-to-date and properly executed ...