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

Death and Divorce may sound brutal but the subject of Wills and inheritance is important when dealing with divorce.

What do I do if I have divorced but then my ex spouse dies shortly afterwards?  This may be an unusual situation but it can happen.

Our clients are advised during the divorce process that they should have a Will or review their existing Will. This is because divorce, meaning the Final Order, formerly known as the Decree Absolute affects inheritance under a Will.  The Final Order effectively treats the former spouse as if they have died and any provisions in a Will where any property or assets are bequeathed to the former spouse will pass as if that former spouse had died.  In other words if a spouse was to benefit under their spouses Will then that clause will fail and they will not inherit.

With the advent of the no fault divorce

The summer is fast approaching so if you haven’t already you should discuss the arrangements for contact with your children over the summer holidays.

Many separated couples are able to agree the arrangements for the absent parent to have contact with their children on a regular basis throughout the year and the specific arrangements for contact over the extended summer school holidays.

Unfortunately some separated parents are unable to agree the pattern of contact and if you are one who has yet to firm up the arrangements over the summer holiday you must start thinking about it now.

If you want contact with your children during the summer and your ex partner says no or is offering less contact than you would like you should seek legal advice.

The first step is always to try to reach an agreement directly with the other parent but if that is unsuccessful you should seek legal advice.

Every

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

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

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

Christmas is not that far away so if you haven’t already you should discuss the arrangements for contact with your children over the Christmas holidays.

Many separated couples are able to agree the arrangements for the absent parent to have contact with their children on a regular basis throughout the year and the specific arrangements for contact over the Christmas and New Year period.

Unfortunately some separated parents are unable to agree the pattern of contact and if you are one who has yet to firm up the arrangements over Christmas you must start thinking about it now.

If you want contact with your children over Christmas and your ex partner says no or is offering less contact than you would like you should seek legal advice.

The first step is always to try to reach an agreement directly with the other parent but if that is unsuccessful you should seek legal advice.

Every case