Defining your Digital Assets

Now more than ever, we all live in the digital space – we upload our photos to Facebook and Instagram; we keep all of our appointments in our online diaries; we download digital books and stream music. So much of what we used to hold in our home as assets has moved online. Traditionally, we […]

The point of good note taking at any Will instruction

When I attend a Will instruction I always bring with me a standard alh legal document which covers all of the important questions I need to ask in order to make your Will. Sometimes this may seem like a lot of information but it’s key for understanding what you need and how I can best […]

My Grandpa’s words

Amanda Harris, your professional, friendly and trusted will writer in Nottingham

When I was very small, I remember my wonderful Yorkshire grandpa saying to me “Find something that you enjoy doing, and then find someone who will pay you to do it!”  I used to laugh at him, but I now understand that he was telling me to find my passion and make it my career. […]

CREATING A VALID WILL – THE ART OF WITNESSING

In order for a Will to be valid it must be signed by the testator and witnessed by 2 independent people as per section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. There are 3 specific criteria that need to be met (well 4 really but point 3 and 4 are wrapped up together for the purposes […]

The Pandemic Do It Yourself Trend

The last 2 years have been very unusual and it has led to several lockdowns and a lot of people self-isolating, with a climate of social distancing and avoiding mixing with people outside of your own household. So, whilst there has been a rise in the demand for Wills there has also been a worrying […]

Discretionary Trusts – The What, The Why and the How

You may be familiar with Trusts and their basic principles but there are different kinds, this blog explains Discretionary Trusts and why you might need one.  What is a Discretionary Trust?  First let us look at the definition of a Discretionary Trust. This is a type of Trust where the trustees have complete control of how and […]

Funeral Wishes and your Will

As I’ve discussed before, the death of a loved can be a difficult time for those left behind, and it’s at this time that the grieving family will be expected to arrange a funera,  This can be difficult at such a challenging and emotional time. It is with this in mind that this week’s blog […]

Can you remove an executor?

Executor NOUN law a person or institution appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of their will. In accepting the position of Executor, you are doing so on the understanding that you have a legal duty to administer the estate of the deceased. This includes tasks such as: making sure assets are identified […]

Don’t you forget about me… leaving someone out of your Will

Families and modern relationships can be complex and it is a simple fact that sometimes, for one reason or another, you might want to leave a child or close relation out of your Will. However, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, the following family members can challenge the Will, including: Your […]

Frequently Asked Questions

This week’s blog covers several questions that I am frequently asked by clients.  I hope you find it useful. ‘How do I know my Will is valid?’ Section 9 of The Wills Act 1837 states: No will shall be valid unless— (a)it is in writing, and signed by the testator, or by some other person […]