tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87137161638537132092024-03-21T14:17:40.533+00:00Wills & ProbateA blog from Robin Ramsey, the managing director of Wills & Probate UKRobin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-9725633698618264902010-11-18T12:10:00.007+00:002010-11-19T16:49:45.800+00:00Who needs a Will?<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Many people, particularly young adults, think they have no need for a will.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Imagine a young lady, unmarried but living with her partner in a home they bought together.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Two months before the wedding, she is critically injured in a car accident and later dies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Who do the doctors update?</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Who decides about the type of care she should receive?</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">And what happens to the house she bought with her partner?</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">These are all reasons why every adult, no matter their age or family status, needs basic estate-planning documents that dictate their wishes if they die or become incapacitated. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Members of the Military service should strongly consider devising a Will. Because of the risk involved in their jobs, it is imperative they have peace of mind and that their wishes are followed in the event of their death. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In fact, almost 65 per cent of people in Britain do not yet have a Will – taking away the control they have over what happens to their money and belongings when they die. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Making assumptions that your money and belongings will automatically go to your partner, children or parents should be avoided as there are many conditions in probate law that mean your estate is at risk if you die intestate. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">The Solution?</span></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">By taking the time to make a Will now you can ensure that your loved ones receive exactly what you want them to instead of the law deciding who gets what. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">WAP UK offer a friendly and flexible Will writing service. The team visit you in your home or wherever you are more comfortable, at a time that suits your life. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Your consultant will provide advice and guidance about the best ways to plan your estate and take detailed instructions with which to make your Will. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Once this process has taken place, your Will is drafted by professional and knowledgeable Will writers to ensure your wishes are followed in the event of your death.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-86150545711692062872010-11-11T13:24:00.003+00:002010-11-19T16:47:20.115+00:00Why do I need a Will?<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Thinking about making a Will is something that the majority of us would rather put off – a job for the future, for old age, for any other time than now, but it shouldn’t be.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Why?</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> It’s really quite simple, if you die intestate (without a Will) what is already a stressful and upsetting time for your loved ones will be made worse by having your assets distributed according to the law rather than your wishes.</span></span></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-68031208837410488752010-11-04T09:43:00.002+00:002010-11-08T13:02:08.615+00:00Why choose Wills & Probate?<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Here at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">WAP UK</span>, we are a long established and professional Will writing firm.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We ensure that every aspect of inheritance and wealth management will be carried out in line with your wishes in the event of your death.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">By employing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">WAP UK</span>, you are guaranteed the following benefits:</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Peace of mind</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Professional service</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Flexibility and Convence</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Value for money</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">and the Wills and Probate guarantee</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For more information visit</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.wapuk.co.uk</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-38179873270605130592010-10-28T11:35:00.003+01:002010-11-08T13:04:02.523+00:00The Wills and Probate Guarantee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOoJsriGlAciWHZs6UCLW62bqM8P73As51aivfM2PB-4DDhVhhsluATogrSyMycpR1cWvKr54YDusQSfM3kn4rl-Ybnob5_LmPD1ycbU5d1PHljqyC5xkMmTjpmmeMUbu0qUMwyo9/s1600/WAP+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOoJsriGlAciWHZs6UCLW62bqM8P73As51aivfM2PB-4DDhVhhsluATogrSyMycpR1cWvKr54YDusQSfM3kn4rl-Ybnob5_LmPD1ycbU5d1PHljqyC5xkMmTjpmmeMUbu0qUMwyo9/s400/WAP+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537163823302641234" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">As a member of the Society of Will Writers, </span></span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">WAP UK</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> guarantees the advice and Wills that we produce, comply with the law and will represent your wishes in the way you intended.</span></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-81523358562054384812010-10-27T17:32:00.006+01:002010-11-08T13:00:46.929+00:00Making Your Will<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. If you do not make a valid Will, your property will pass according to the Law of Intestacy. This may not happen the way you would have wanted and also takes much longer than if you have had a will. During this time your beneficiaries may not be able to draw money from your estate.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">SINGLE?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">You will want your estate divided amongst friends, relatives and charities of your choosing and in the proportions you want. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">MARRIED?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Don't assume "my other half will get everything". Brothers and sisters or parents may have a claim. Often you children have a right to part of your estate. If you are living as a couple but not officially married, you may be treated as a single person and a surviving partner may get nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">A PARENT?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">You should consider who would look after your children in the event of your death. This is particularly important in the case of one parent families or unmarried parents living together. A valid Will nominating guardians is invaluable in such cases. If no one knows what you would have wanted, the Court will decide on the future of your children.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">RETIRED?</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Maybe you made a Will a long time ago. It probably needs updating to include additional grandchildren or deletion of persons you no longer feel you wish to leave anything to.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For more information, or to speak to one of our team, visit</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">wapuk.co.uk</span></span></span></a></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-20622021108733353312010-10-25T15:03:00.005+01:002010-11-08T12:57:58.866+00:00Don’t let your loved ones inheritance disappear<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Many inheritances are ‘lost’ due to lack of planning by those leaving them.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Leaving an inheritance directly to a child may not always be the best solution, with increasing divorce rates there is always a possibility that money will be lost to your departing spouse.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Secondly there may be a threat of legal action against the recipient of the inheritance, as in todays society the chance of being sued has greatly increased.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Similarly the chance of the recipient having financial difficulty may be higher and creditors may claim against inheritance to recover money.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The final lost could be more indirect, if a recipient is in receipt of means tested benefits these may be lost if an inheritance is received.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">£6000 will affect any benefits and an inheritance of over £16000 will mean no benefits can be claimed.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For more information please ring us on</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">0800 043 2811</span></span></span></span></span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-76984513237214648862010-09-15T09:50:00.004+01:002010-11-08T12:57:14.256+00:00Make sure you decide who gets what...not the government.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtr3t5f_kMDQrivX3u7B320ANoSeTD9EmzFe__0AJVLU6F7qYEG-ukPmn_titaW5Vn1E6FrnUH-HxBJ7YOGjiHiGuRHkWVUivE60olYwP0cRO7u6XTzFBNXd4eLhOjsEB_igJ4gYQ/s1600/why-do-i-need-a-will.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtr3t5f_kMDQrivX3u7B320ANoSeTD9EmzFe__0AJVLU6F7qYEG-ukPmn_titaW5Vn1E6FrnUH-HxBJ7YOGjiHiGuRHkWVUivE60olYwP0cRO7u6XTzFBNXd4eLhOjsEB_igJ4gYQ/s400/why-do-i-need-a-will.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517061612151912466" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">By taking the time to make a Will now you can ensure that your loved ones receive exactly what you want them to instead of the law deciding who gets what. </span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">WAP UK</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> offer a friendly and flexible Will writing service. The team visit you in your home or wherever you are more comfortable, at a time that suits your life. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">You consultant will provide advice and guidance about the best ways to plan you estate and take detailed instructions with which to make your Will. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Once this process has taken place, your Will is drafted by professional and knowledgeable Will writers to ensure your wishes are followed in the event of your death. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Visit </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">WAP UK</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">for more information</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8bt932IcW5Z-tguzFtIuct9peokRTrMN6mJnfADZdTdKfPbl-_0FBArt_JvQg3rHOTqEXtg798sK6n0zzhruJOPujZD3MbjJ59vQ_NB9qKMD2toMWTJoqVjjazwFa31X46ltBCWz/s1600/why-do-i-need-a-will.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline- vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></p></span>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-40548970589378908832010-08-23T09:40:00.003+01:002010-11-08T12:56:48.147+00:00If you don't appoint a guardian...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">It is an unfortunate fact of life that there may come a time when you - or someone close to you - will have to make provisions in a will for the guardianship of children. It is a subject that many refuse to tackle head on but alas it is something that - if you are a parent and your children are under the age of eighteen - you should be prepared for. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Any adult of your choosing can be a guardian to your child or children. This can be a close family friend with whom the children in question already have a bond or a family member not already directly involved in their care, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Appointing a guardian is something that requires a lot of contemplation and discussion before a decision is made, however it will put your mind at rest knowing that your children will be cared for should anything happen to you. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">For more information contact <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wills and Probate UK</span></span> on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">0800 043 2811</span></span> or visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">www.wapuk.co.uk</span></span></a></span></div></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-78925704256321921752010-08-10T13:36:00.003+01:002010-08-10T13:44:11.539+01:00Panorama Program<blockquote type="cite" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>"In response to the BBC panorama program, aired on Monday 9th August 2010, Wills and Probate UK would like to reassure current and future clients that they need not worry about the services provided by our company.<br /><br />We have been actively campaigning for regulation of the Wills and Probate profession for over 3 years. We are glad the Panorama program has highlighted the con artists who operate in this industry and we believe it is simply impossible to establish the needs of a client over the internet. We are greatly looking forward to legislation being introduced to stop these companies, as were highlighted in the program, continuing to mis-sell products to their clients.<br /><br />Wills and Probate never appoint themselves as named executors to the Will, therefore no part of Probate is handled by ourselves. Any Probate matters are passed directly to a local solicitor or a professional Probate company, Kings Court Trust Corporation, based in Bath.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Wills and Probate are a long established company and we have an excellent reputation for the outstanding service we provide."</i></span></div></blockquote><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> If you would like to contact Wills and Probate UK regarding any of the issues highlighted in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">the program </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;">please call us on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">0800 043 2811.</span></span></span></div></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-72943736049487942002010-08-02T14:12:00.004+01:002010-08-02T14:30:52.880+01:00Elderly Care Vs Family Inheritance<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We frequently meet clients who are concerned about the prospect of spending all their savings on paying for care in their old age, leaving little or no inheritance for their families. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Making the decision to move into a care home is difficult. Statistically one in three women and one in four men will require some form of long term care. The average cost of care in a residential home is about £25,000 per year. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The ability to pay for the care is assessed by the local authority, this is means based and the state will only pay for the very poorest people. If there is a shortfall of funds to pay for the care, this must be met from assets. There is no end to the extent to which local authorities can access assets. It is clear that the State cannot afford to bear the nation's care costs, making it increasingly important for our expanding ageing population to seek expert legal and financial advice.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We are always happy to discuss what best suits your needs and circumstances where care home fees are involved. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Visit us at <a href="www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">www.wapuk.co.uk</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span>or ring us on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">0800 043 2811</span></span></span></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-24582342131910700562010-07-27T10:35:00.000+01:002010-07-27T10:59:57.950+01:00Shoking Statistics Released<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Internet advice company unbiased.co.uk have recently carried out a survey into Wills. The study revealed that only 1 in 5 people have updated their Will in the last 10 years. Personal finances can change dramatically over a period of 10 years, it is important that people make sure their Wills are up to date to ensure their personal wealth is left as exactly as they wish at the time of their death. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Worryingly 10% of the people questioned had undergone a relationship change, such as a divorce or getting re-married, in the past 10 years and have not updated their Will to reflect this. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.wapuk.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">WAP UK</span></a> can give you the advice you need when your circumstances change.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-75110894505370681992010-07-23T10:58:00.000+01:002010-07-27T10:59:16.258+01:00Family Protection, Lasting Power of Attorney<p><span style="font-size:85%;">No one likes to think about losing the ability to manage their own affairs, but the NHS estimate that over 2,000,000 people lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves due to dementia, mental health difficulties, brain injuries or other illnesses that may occur even in the prime of life. It is important that you nominate someone you trust now to make important decisions on your behalf.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) were introduced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. They allow individuals to appoint Attorneys to look after their property and financial affairs (a Property and Financial Affairs LPA) and also to make health and personal welfare decisions (a Health and Welfare LPA) when they lack the capacity to make these decisions themselves in the future.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Call </span><a href="http://www.wapuk.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">WAP UK</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> today on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">0800 043 2811</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> and they will talk you through the LPA process.</span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-55029138876120976042010-07-21T11:43:00.001+01:002010-07-27T11:09:10.898+01:00Have you thought about care home fees?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Evidence suggests that anything between 40,000 and 70,000 homes are sold each year to cover the owner’s care fees. Parents are seeing nest eggs which they had built up as intended inheritances for their children decimated extremely quickly once in care.<br />With advance planning, this need not be the case. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">There are ways to protect the family home for the next generation, contact </span><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.wapuk.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">WAP UK</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">on </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">0800 043 2811</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> to find out all the information you need.</span></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-32219160030361024752010-07-19T11:10:00.001+01:002010-07-27T11:08:31.848+01:00Why Choose Wills and Probate<p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wapuk.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">WAP UK</span></a> are a long established and professional Will writing firm.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">They ensure that every aspect of inheritance and wealth management will be carried out in line with your wishes in the event of your death.<br />Below are the benefits of employing WAP UK:</span></p> <h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Peace of mind</span></span></h4><h4 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Until a legally valid Will is made there is no certainty bout the fate of your wealth and possessions in the event of your death. WAP UK provides you with an effective and efficient service to put your mind at rest. </span></h4> <h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Professional service</span></span></h4> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Specialists in writing legally valid Wills, our consultants will deliver the exact requirements with a friendly, professional service.</span></p> <h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Flexible and Convenient</span></span></h4> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Allowing for initial Will discussions to take place at a time, date and place of your choosing, our consultants will ensure you are at your most comfortable when taking your instructions. </span></p> <h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Value for money</span></span></h4> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">WAP UK will charge one fixed fee for taking instructions and preparing a Will. Whatever the family circumstances, you will receive a will to suit your requirements with no hidden charges. </span></p> <h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Wills and Probate guarantee</span></span></h4> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">As a member of the Society of Will Writers, WAP UK guarantees the advice and Wills produced by the company comply with the law and will represent your wishes in the way you intended. </span></p>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-8975058720047803482010-07-19T10:15:00.000+01:002010-07-21T11:52:22.016+01:00Charity’s Will writing Service Challenged<meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/sarahmurphy/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>423</o:Words> <o:characters>2413</o:Characters> <o:lines>20</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2963</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1287</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Helvetica Neue Light"; panose-1:0 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 2 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Telegraph recently reported the following case concerning Help the Aged’s Will writing service where the charity was the main beneficiary of will drawn up by its own recommended adviser. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mrs Southwell, who did not have any children, had made a will 10 years previously, leaving the bulk to her friend, Susie Crichton, with smaller legacies bequeathed to five other friends and six charities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But shortly before her death, Mrs Southwell asked her social worker to help her draw up a will, claiming she did not have one and did not want her assets to go to the Government. The social worker contacted Help the Aged who sent round a Wills and Legacies adviser. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But not one of the previous beneficiaries received a penny from this new will. Instead the bulk of her £350,000 estate went to Help the Aged.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Not surprisingly, when Mrs Crichton and her family learnt what had happened they proceeded to challenge the will. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Helen Foster, the head of Wills and Legacies at Age Concern and Help the Aged was quoted in the article saying: "The Charity is aware of the dispute around this will, however we have defended our position as a legally- recognised beneficiary of the will. "Mrs Southwell did change the beneficiaries in her first will when constructing her second legal will and testament. As a charity it is not appropriate for us to speculate on why she reached this decision, but we utterly and profoundly reject any suggestion that pressure was brought to bear. The decision to amend the will lay solely and only with Mrs Southwell."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This case once again highlights the benefits of using an independent and professional Will writing service. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-19911112944830813382010-07-15T10:47:00.000+01:002010-07-21T11:55:58.260+01:00Why do I need a Will?<meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/sarahmurphy/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>306</o:Words> <o:characters>1745</o:Characters> <o:lines>14</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2142</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1287</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Helvetica Neue Light"; panose-1:0 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 2 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Many people, particularly young adults, think they have no need for a will. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Imagine a young lady, unmarried but living with her partner in a home they bought together. Two months before the wedding, she is critically injured in a car accident and later dies. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Who do the doctors update? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Who decides about the type of care she should receive?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> And what happens to the house she bought with her partner? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">These are all reasons why every adult, no matter their age or family status, needs basic estate-planning documents that dictate their wishes if they die or become incapacitated. Contact <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">WAP UK</span> on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">0800 043 2811</span> or visit their website <a href="http://www.wapuk.co.uk">www.wapuk.co.uk</a> for more information.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-62133524504380044902010-07-13T14:23:00.000+01:002010-07-19T11:27:03.815+01:00Lost Wills cause Heartbreak<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">The last wishes of soldiers killed in Afghanistan are not being honoured as the Ministry of Defence have lost their Wills, with heartbreaking consequences.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Servicemen and women who wish to make a Will before they are deployed on active service are given the opportunity to fill in a Ministry of Defence Will form which is then placed in a sealed envelope. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Corporal Rob Deering was killed by Taliban in Devember 2008. His fiance is now battling to save the house they shared after the MoD lost a Will he produced just weeks before being deployed. While preparing to leave, Corporal Deering was asked to produce the document twice after the first copy was lost. Now the second copy cannot be found and a previous Will made in 2006 is being used for probate, this Will differs from the later Will which had been drawn up. Relationships with his family have broken down over the missing Will and his grieving finace is now taking legal action to delay the distribution of the estate to allow the MoD more time to find the missing document. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">There are many other cases of missing Wills within the Military. There has been calls for a full enquiry and one MP has accused the Government of 'bureaucratic incompetence bordering on cruelty' and failing in its duty to soldiers even after they have paid the ultimate sacrifice.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Stories like this act as a stark reminder of how important it is for clients in the military to have their documents drawn up and stored securely. This ensure their loved ones are protected and their wishes are carried out.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wapuk.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span">www.wapuk.co.uk</span></a></i></span></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-10651146683422413932009-11-23T14:25:00.000+00:002009-11-23T14:36:46.179+00:00Willing A Way to Avoid Trauma<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"></span>If ever there was a cautionary tale which best exemplifies the perils of not writing a will with an independent, professional firm, then it came in the Telegraph recently.<br /><br />Following on from the much-publicised, recent case involving the RSPCA, this month a similar contentious issue involving a charity emerged.<br /><br />Ten years before her death, a British woman called Mrs Southwell made a will, with the bulk of her assets going to her friend Susie Crichton.<br /><br />However, as Mrs Southwell’s passing approached, she asked her social worker to draw up a will, claiming she didn’t want her assets to be passed to the Government.<br /><br />The social worker contacted Help the Aged for assistance and, following a visit from the charity’s wills and legacies adviser, a new will leaving the majority of her £350,000 estate to the charity was created.<br /><a href="http://www.carerepairrenfrewshire.org.uk/OnlineJPEGS/Help%20the%20Aged.jpg"></a><br />Predictably, in the aftermath of Mrs Southwell’s death, a legal tussle between her friend’s family and the charity ensued.<br /><br />Ultimately, costs were awarded against the family, although this was followed by a successful appeal for a reduction.<br /><br />Meanwhile a Help the Aged spokesperson said: “Mrs Southwell did change the beneficiaries in her first will when constructing her second legal will and testament.<br /><br /></span><blockquote><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“As a charity it is not appropriate for us to speculate on why she reached the<br />decision, but we utterly and profoundly reject any suggestion that pressure was<br />brought to bear.”</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p></blockquote><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Had the deceased party – who may have been ill-advised or not in the right state of mind to write a will – contacted an independent firm with no vested interest in where the estate went, things may have turned out differently.<br /><br />Of course, every case is circumstantial and no-one but Mrs Southwell truly knew her motivations or the pressure she was under.<br /><br />However, it acts as a reminder of the benefits of investing in a carefully considered will sooner rather than later.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.carerepairrenfrewshire.org.uk/OnlineJPEGS/Help%20the%20Aged.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 30px" alt="" src="http://www.carerepairrenfrewshire.org.uk/OnlineJPEGS/Help%20the%20Aged.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-14054826104916590942009-10-21T11:17:00.000+01:002009-10-23T11:55:48.963+01:00Hunt for Better Practice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TMx5dE_VyyjrqBr6g8Uopk8oqaIxACx0WlsHQjOXE9UhRKxX_jN-_tavEILYMiGhg3ANTh-lRKrD0-H3CLDPGyDgMe4oB3X8QxWGdetJLMoSGcazjfsouo_GiEyc51wxIiSLkr1a/s1600-h/SocWillWritLOGO.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TMx5dE_VyyjrqBr6g8Uopk8oqaIxACx0WlsHQjOXE9UhRKxX_jN-_tavEILYMiGhg3ANTh-lRKrD0-H3CLDPGyDgMe4oB3X8QxWGdetJLMoSGcazjfsouo_GiEyc51wxIiSLkr1a/s320/SocWillWritLOGO.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395747270144603890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size:12px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As someone who has invested years of hard work and endeavour in establishing a reputable business, I applaud a recent report attacking the fluid nature of the wills business.</span></span></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And, having witnessed at close hand how easy charlatans can infiltrate the sector, I feel it’s important that the findings Lord Hunt’s report are followed up by action.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Among the lengthy inquiry into solicitors’ regulation, the report said: “Fellow citizens would surely be taken aback to learn that anyone can currently set himself or herself up as a will-writer and also some aspects of probate activity can take place outside the regulatory net.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lord Hunt also said: “Simple mistakes can lead to unjust outcomes and those outcomes will often occur a long time after the will has been written.”</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For every firm like mine which strives to offer an honest and personal service to its clients, there are a string of will writing companies which spring up with seemingly no track record or deep-rooted expertise in the sector.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is perhaps a direct reaction to demand from a public which has, in recent years, become more aware of the need to write wills before hitting old age. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">However, it is also indicates an industry which is in dire need of more governance to separate the genuine experts from the pretenders.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aside from the excellent support available from the Society of Will Writers, the sector lacks the rigid regulatory framework of most other financial and legal fields.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This means that any solicitor who may have spent a few hours at law school reading the basics of will writing can try their hand at an art which is incredibly complex and takes years to perfect.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Solicitors often use their lofty standing to charge considerably more than mere will writers despite the fact that they may know a lot less than their fully-trained counterparts.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And then there are those will no legal background who are tempted into the practice for the chance to make significant amounts of money in a short space of time.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course, with adequate training and support people of any career background could theoretically become a will writer. But it is essential that they are trained by a reputable source - something which would be easier to distinguish with more corporate governance in the sector.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hopefully Lord Hunt’s findings prove the catalyst for change and help create a system which separates the competent from the cowboys.</span></span></span></p></span>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-80626900845751452112009-10-14T21:15:00.000+01:002009-10-23T11:48:35.698+01:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I’VE seen some strange disputes in all my years as a will writer but perhaps none as unusual as the recent case of the animal lover’s daughter.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">University lecturer Christine Gill contested her parents’ will after her mother left her entire £2.34m farm estate to the RSPCA. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">MS Gill claimed she had been promised the estate but her father had, before his death, forced his wife into pledging the huge sum to the animal welfare group.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The recent court case heard how, after her mother’s death, Dr Gill discovered her parents had made wills leaving their farm to each other and then to the charity when they both died.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This allegedly contradicted repeated assurances that the daughter would inherit the estate.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Ultimately the 58-year-old won the case, leaving a very disappointed charity and raising a number of questions on the ethics of will writing.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Although an unfortunate situation for the Gill family, the case is a stone-wall example of why communication within a family is often key when making wills.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Of course, for the unlucky few with no loved ones left to leave a posthumous gift, a charity may seem an obvious and worthy benefactor of a small fortune.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Meanwhile, it is often a parent’s wish to keep their good intentions for their offspring a complete secret - a chance to surprise them and perhaps alleviate their grief in a small way at least.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">However, in a situation which involves substantial assets and family members who may be expecting something they will not receive, a few hours of discussion when you’re alive can avoid leaving a lengthy and arduous legal dispute for your children when you’re gone.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The case also highlighted the importance of the folly of making verbal promises to loved ones without thinking them through.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK_5v93jhIi67_Yj0j9zqSJfqUcGZS73OtzjSAmSO1UhbbFNweGdYQq9HTVhas5EAGdh22Efz84k15v-A01MmkiZPdedsn8zz588xaIJ4Ps25BS_OwYnpfVY3ZNz_REA7V0PaXTEt/s1600-h/BlogimgDOG.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK_5v93jhIi67_Yj0j9zqSJfqUcGZS73OtzjSAmSO1UhbbFNweGdYQq9HTVhas5EAGdh22Efz84k15v-A01MmkiZPdedsn8zz588xaIJ4Ps25BS_OwYnpfVY3ZNz_REA7V0PaXTEt/s320/BlogimgDOG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395744969275209058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 239px; " /></a></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></span>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713716163853713209.post-62676917416180305062009-10-08T20:59:00.000+01:002009-10-23T12:18:26.732+01:00Hello and Welcome!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-VytB4x0pMLl5fOpDpBv7g3D8MuhCAdeJUx0uKURQOTyGbjwblEaf08KgEkeAvMdR_WNVd3uGVubPsYA-fU6UNmspCWKY5Eo5nMDkPLlZN3gUN_U_21fp-WUOl62cMwpNf67l5_/s1600-h/robin+ramsey+(2).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-VytB4x0pMLl5fOpDpBv7g3D8MuhCAdeJUx0uKURQOTyGbjwblEaf08KgEkeAvMdR_WNVd3uGVubPsYA-fU6UNmspCWKY5Eo5nMDkPLlZN3gUN_U_21fp-WUOl62cMwpNf67l5_/s320/robin+ramsey+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395753215687375506" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size:12px;">Hello and welcome to my first blog posting!<br /><br />Just a short message to introduce myself, I'm Robin Ramsey, the Managing Director of Wills & Probate UK.<br />I will be blogging on a variety of different topics including updates in the law, financial matters, information regarding wills and general topics which i think may be of interest.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Robin</span>Robin Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01492814460115656470noreply@blogger.com0