We understand that it can sometimes be quite daunting to come and see us to discuss a new Will. Clients tell us that they have put off making a new Will for many reasons, or simply because they don’t wish to think about their death. Ensuring that a valid a Will is in place makes things so much easier for loved ones left behind, and also, when done correctly, ensures that your last wishes are met. Our Amye Aris, Head of Wills and Probate and New Leaf Solicitors, explains the top 5 things to think about before your Will appointment.

1. ROUGHLY WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS WORTH?

We ask that you provide us with a rough indication of all sole and jointly owned assets so that we can discuss inheritance tax mitigation and future planning with you. This includes the approximate value of your property, whether there’s any mortgages or loans, the

No fault divorce finally comes into force on 6 April 2022.

The key feature of the Act is the ‘no fault’ divorce which will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame.

Sometimes couples just want to separate without having to sling mud at each other, the old rules offered no other option if they have not been separated for two years or more.  The introduction of the ‘no fault’ divorce option will hopefully remove unnecessary acrimony between parties and allow them to focus on the bigger issues upon separation such as finances and children.

If you wish to discuss your options with a member of our family team, please get in touch.

Southampton office – kellybruton@newleafsolicitors.co.uk

Birmingham office – paulineorourke@newleafsolicitors.co.uk

Rugby office – francinebristo@newleafsolicitors.co.uk

Daventry office – amytrevellick@newleafsolicitors.co.uk

Our Pauline O’Rourke discusses the impact on financial matters when the new divorce law comes into force this April.

Consent Orders and the new D81 form.

We have new divorce procedures coming in to force in April but it is important for the lay person to appreciate that getting divorced and obtaining a clean break financial order on your finances are two separate processes.

You can apply to the court for an order on your agreed terms of settlement (a “consent order”) once you have your conditional divorce order (decree nisi). This financial consent order in draft is placed before a Judge who will approve the making of your order but only if it is reasonable and fair to hold the parties to it. To enable this, a joint Statement of Information D81 form must be completed by the parties, signed and submitted as part of the consent order application. This form completion

HOW CAN I PROVIDE FOR MY PETS IN MY WILL?

We are a Nation of animal lovers, and February 20th is national “Love Your Pet Day”. Have you ever considered what would happen to your beloved pet if you were to suddenly die? Who would look after them and how would that person pay for their care, feed and vets bills etc? Amye Aris, our Wills, Trusts and Probate specialist discusses this topic in more detail.

All too often it is simply assumed that a pet will be taken in by family or friends in the event of death, however tens of thousands of pets are at risk of becoming homeless after the death of an owner. Careful planning now could avoid many problems later, and these are 5 things you should consider when making your Will to best protect your pet in the future:

Who would look after my pet?

It is a

Another warm testimonial for Francine Bristo…

‘Thank you so much for your help and support throughout the process…I suppose times with covid have seemed strange without you seeing clients, however you’ve made me feel like the whole process has been caring and personal’.

From Mrs L

Another warm testimonial for our Francine Bristo

“You’ve been so helpful and professional but more importantly “human” and understanding. It’s been such a difficult time but you made me feel much more comfortable and put my mind at ease, thank you.” 

Mrs A

Our Francine Bristo offers some guidance on helping your child through separation

Separation is difficult for everyone including children.  It is hard to parent when you are struggling with your emotions.  There is information and support out there, be kind to yourself and get help where you need it.  It is important to look after yourself.  Life will be difficult for a while but there is lots you can do to reduce the impact of the separation on your children.  Co-parenting is hard but it is so very worthwhile.  When parents co-parent their children well the outcomes are better for everyone.

Maintain a working co-parenting relationship with your ex and avoid exposing your children to conflict.  Being patient, offering repeated reassurance and a listening ear can make a huge difference at this uncertain time.  Keep the comfort of routine where possible.

When telling the children about the separation prepare what you will

Our Amy Trevellick shares some advice for those who are newly separated or divorced this Christmas.

For many people, Christmas is a particularly special time of year. Spending time with their loved ones, and seeing glee on their children’s faces as they open their presents on Christmas morning. But for others, Christmas can put a huge strain on their relationship and you may find yourself dreading spending another Christmas at home with your partner or spouse.

It is of course, commonly said that January sees a “divorce boom”. The press has even coined the first working Monday of January “National Divorce Day”. But what is the reality of a divorce, and could you see yourself spending Christmas 2021 as a single person?

One of the most rewarding things about being a family lawyer, if not the most rewarding, is to see my client’s go through the journey and come out the other end