A step that often causes family members additional stress and anxiety when someone dies is locating the deceased’s important documents. This includes the Will, which details the Testator’s wishes regarding how they want their estate to be distributed. Unfortunately, locating a Will and other important documents can sometimes be a difficult and time-consuming process for loved ones coming to terms with a death. This blog answers frequently asked questions about locating the Will to help you navigate this stressful time. The blog explores how to find a Will, what happens if you can’t find a Will, and the benefits of storing estate planning documents with a professional storage provider.

When estate planning, there are some things that are essential to include. For example: who will inherit any property, who may care for a dependent child, or what should happen to various personal belongings. One thing that often gets overlooked is what happens to a person’s digital assets.

The period after the death of a loved one is a difficult time; and many people prefer to avoid thinking about it in advance. There are many challenges to consider; not only the emotional difficulties, but also the administrative duties that will need to be dealt with. An example of this is when the deceased has outstanding debts upon their death. Matters such as these become even more difficult to handle when the debt is unexpected and no provisions for its repayment have been made. It is a commonly held assumption by many people that debts are written off upon the death of the borrower; however, in general, this is not true.

When estate planning or dealing with the estate of someone who has died, you may have to handle Inheritance Tax (IHT).

When creating a Will, it’s important to consider who will be taking care of your estate upon your death. There are many roles involved in the estate administration process that may include the named Executor(s) and Trustee(s). In this blog, we will explain the role of a Trustee in a Will, how they are appointed, and the difference between Trustees, Executors, and beneficiaries.

Getting around to writing your Will can be difficult. Most people don’t like to think about what will happen when they die, and it’s one of those tasks that feels easy to delay. Many people die without leaving a Will, which can cause a lot of stress for their loved ones. However, writing a Will is important, as it ensures that your wishes are honoured after death and that your estate is passed on in the manner you intended. Read more about the purpose of a Will.

Executors are people chosen and named in a Will by the Testator, who is the individual whose Will it is. The Executors of a Will are responsible for administering the estate of the Testator when they have passed away. Up to four Executors can be named in a Will, and it’s best practice to name at least two.

When a loved one passes away, there are many tasks that must be completed before their estate can be distributed to the beneficiaries. One of those tasks may be applying for probate; probate is not always needed, but if it’s required, it can be a confusing process that involves a lot of time and effort. This blog aims to simplify probate and explain what it is, when it’s required, and the application process.

It is already a difficult time when a loved one passes away and their estate is being administered. However, this challenging period can be made even more difficult when the Executor or Administrator (collectively known as Personal Representatives) of the deceased’s estate also passes away during the administration process. When a chain of representation is unable to be used to allow for the administration of the estate to continue, a new application to the Probate Registry will need to be made for a Grant de Bonis Non Administratis (less formally known as a Grant de Bonis Non).