Wills, Trust and Probate

contesting probate

Contesting a probate is back in the news

  Once again the contents of a high profile will and the validity of it, is being openly questioned. Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis Presley, has made a legal challenge to the validity of their late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley’s will. The contest seems to focus on a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s will…

Read more

applying for probate

Applying for Probate – what you need to consider

  When someone dies it often falls to grieving family members to handle their financial affairs which can be both complex and exhausting. If you have recently lost a loved one you may be wondering where to start, Pictons have a wealth of experience and experts at hand who can help to ease the burden…

Read more

lasting power of attorney

Lasting Power of Attorney. Planning for care, planning for life.

  Many people in the UK are now enjoying a longer life. This is obviously welcomed, although it does pose some economic challenges for our society. With an ageing population we should also anticipate an increased incidence of people with longer term medical, or personal care needs. Dementia is often – although not exclusively –…

Read more

Sarah Crook

Sarah Crook Joins Pictons Wills, Trust and Probate Team

  Pictons is delighted to welcome Sarah Crook. Sarah joins Pictons from her previous firm where she enjoyed a successful 19 year career. Commenting on why she joined Pictons Sarah said: “I was aware of the well-established, good reputation of Pictons and was keen to join a larger progressive firm that can provide me with…

Read more

Wills can now be witnessed by a video link

Wills can now be witnessed by a video link

  In a response to the logistical problems created by the recent pandemic the government has announced that it will now be acceptable to have a will witnessed by a video link in England and Wales. Furthermore, this change in the law will be backdated to 31 January, which coincides with the date of the…

Read more

thinking

Will writing, BBC reports – how we are helping

  The BBC recently reported that there has been a spike in people seeking to draft or amend their wills. This is not surprising given the current health concerns. However, regularly reviewing the provisions of a will is good sense. Circumstances change, such as relationships, assets and simple wishes for how an estate should be…

Read more

NHS Wills Offer

Special Offer for NHS Workers

  We all value the hard work and determination of NHS staff at this difficult time. As such Pictons is keen to do what it can to help. We are therefore offering discounts to NHS workers across our range of services. If you are an NHS worker looking for legal support with any service we…

Read more

Probate fee increases dropped but probate backlog continues

There was good news this week when it was announced that the awaited increase in probate fees had finally been scrapped. Under new proposals, due to come into force earlier this year, probate fees would have increased to up to £6,000, depending on the value of the estate.  The current fee is £155 (or £215…

Read more

The importance of Making a Will in 2019

Making a will is one of the most critical things that you can do, and yet research produced by insurance company Royal London has found that 54% of UK adults do not have a Will. Passing away without leaving a valid Will often makes an already difficult time for your loved ones all the more…

Read more