Dealing with Dementia: What If There’s No Power of Attorney?
Dementia can be challenging—not just for the person experiencing it, but also for families and carers. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and decision-making, gradually reducing a person’s mental capacity. This loss of capacity can make everyday tasks like managing finances, healthcare, and personal decisions increasingly difficult. But what happens if someone has dementia without a Lasting…
Do I Need a Probate Lawyer When There’s No Will?
Losing a loved one is never easy. It’s even harder when you find out they didn’t leave a Will. You’re grieving, trying to support family, and suddenly faced with legal questions. Who sorts the finances? Can you access their bank accounts? Are you responsible for managing everything? One of the biggest questions people ask in…
Does My Wife Pay Inheritance Tax If I Die?
Thinking about what happens after you pass away is never easy. But planning ahead can save your loved ones from extra stress and expense. One of the most common concerns we hear at DMA Law is: “Does my spouse have to pay Inheritance Tax if I die?” It’s a perfectly natural question—and one that many married…
What is Power of Attorney? A Complete Guide to Understanding Your Legal Rights
Life can change in an instant. An illness, accident or decline in health could leave you, or a loved one, unable to make important decisions. That’s where Power of Attorney comes in. But what is power of attorney? In this guide, you’ll learn: By understanding “what is power of attorney” you’ll have peace of mind….
When Is Probate Required? Understanding the Basics
What Exactly is Probate? Probate is the legal process that confirms who has the right to deal with a person’s estate after they die. It gives the official authority to manage the deceased person’s money, property, and possessions. The process depends on whether the deceased left a valid Will. What Happens During Probate? The person…
Do I Need a Probate Lawyer If There’s a Will?
Losing a loved one is always difficult. When you’re also left to manage their estate, the emotional strain often mixes with legal confusion. You might be asking yourself: “Do I need a probate lawyer if there’s a will?” It’s a question many families face during an already overwhelming time. For example, imagine you’ve been named executor in…
Can a Will Be Changed After Death in the UK?
You’ve lost someone close to you, and now you’re managing their estate. There is a Will, but something doesn’t feel right. Maybe a beneficiary was left out. Maybe life has changed since the Will was written. More people ask the same question than you might expect: can a Will be changed after death? Under UK law,…
The registration for Lasting Power of Attorneys has hit an all-time high – is it time for you to get one?
Record-breaking numbers of applications have surged for lasting power of attorney, indicating a growing trend in assuming responsibility for the financial affairs of family members. According to government data, the past year witnessed over one million registrations of lasting power of attorney (LPA), marking the highest annual tally ever recorded, with a notable 37% year-on-year rise….
Video Witnessing of Wills No Longer Legal
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK enacted a temporary measure permitting video witnessing of Wills. However, the law has not been extended, meaning Wills must be witnessed in person from 31st January 2024. It is no surprise that the government has confirmed that there will be no further extensions to the legislation that allowed…
What Powers do you have under Lasting Power of Attorney?
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are legal documents that permit you to appoint trusted people in your life to deal with your financial affairs and health needs. The attorney – the person you appoint – can help you make decisions or make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so yourself. An…