The judicial decision that the will of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh be kept private for the next 90 years highlights that a will generally becomes a public document once probate has been granted, open to be read by anyone with an interest in the estate, highlighting the importance of discussing intentions to avoid later challenges to the estate and to exclude any confidential information.

A more straightforward digital system to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) could come into play, but experts say that it is vital that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect elderly and vulnerable people from abuse. In this article, we look at how the...

Born in Greece and educated in France and Germany before coming to the UK, at his death in April of this year Prince Philip reportedly left a multi-million-pound estate which includes assets overseas. The administration of those assets, and therefore his estate, is...

Next of kin is a commonly used term in everyday language, yet despite its frequent use ‘next of kin’ only provides legal rights where children are concerned and, even then, only in certain circumstances. The general rule is that the parent or guardian of a child under...

If you are thinking about writing a will, you may have considered doing it yourself. There are many templates and tools available online, along with vast amounts of information about the law and how to go about writing your own will. However, there are significant...

Living through a global pandemic has meant seeing loved ones taken from us at an alarming rate, and it has been distressing for many to see someone taken into hospital and not know if you might be able to see them again. ‘Whilst planning ahead to document your wishes...

There have been a number of changes in regard to marriage law since 2004, with the most recent being the introduction of opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2019.  These changes have been important in providing clarity over legal rights and financial security when one...

Wollens is pleased to launch a new range of will services for existing and new clients. At Wollens we understand the importance of your will but astonishingly statistics show that more than half of all UK adults (58%) still do not have a will*.  Sadly, many people die...

Our wills and probate solicitor Charlotte McGregor explains how you can protect yourself and your partner in later life if you are cohabitees. The coronavirus pandemic has seen many marriage or civil partnership ceremonies postponed, and a survey by the wedding...