Scroll down to read helpful articles on a wide range of estate planning topics, or use the search button to find answers to a specific query.

Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

How do I write a letter of wishes?

Your letter of wishes can be a farewell letter to your family, friends and the people you love. More importantly, it's your opportunity to guide your executors and explain how you’d like them to deal with your funeral and manage the trusts created by your Will. Our FREE template will guide you as you make your choices.

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Wills Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What’s a blended family?

Every family is unique. Rachael and David put off making a Will for over a decade because they thought it would be too stressful and expensive. They’re not married to each other, they have children together and from previous relationships. Here’s their story….

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Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Are godparents the same as guardians?

Perhaps you haven’t made a Will to avoid thinking about the awful possibility of not being there for your children.

Find out more about how to tackle a difficult decision in this article.

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Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What is Deputyship?

A Deputy is one or more people appointed by the Court of Protection (CoP) to make decisions on behalf of another who cannot do so themselves. The good news is that it’s easy to avoid expensive and stressful involvement with the slow, and bureaucratic CoP.

Read on to find out how Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable.

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Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What is a ‘right to reside’?

A property trust in your Will can help to safeguard your share of your family home. Our blog explains how this could benefit your family.

You may think that Will trusts are only for the super-wealthy, but this is a misconception. We explain all you need to know with a case study example.

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Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Trusts Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What is a discretionary Will trust?

A discretionary Will trust is like a gift box for your assets. With this legal trust arrangement, your trustees (people you choose because you trust them) have the legal power to decide how your assets are distributed among your beneficiaries. Your words, either verbally or in writing, guide their actions.

Let’s look at some of the situations where a discretionary Will trust could be advantageous.

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Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Can someone with dementia make a Will?

You may think that if a person has a dementia diagnosis, they can no longer make a Will. In many cases, this could be true, but a qualified and experienced professional may be able to help. Read on for helpful guidance about the test for capacity to make a Will.

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Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Law Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Can my children inherit if they live overseas?

The simple answer to the question “Can my children inherit if they live overseas?” is yes, but there could be a few hurdles to finalise matters.

If you are dealing with an estate with beneficiaries located abroad, there are a few additional issues that need to be considered. Find out more in our helpful article.

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Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Are you an extraordinary family?

In this blog, we delve into the importance of protecting children who, for whatever reason, may find it difficult to be independent adults. We look at the favourable tax treatment of Vulnerable Person Discretionary Trust and vital strategies that can safeguard a child’s future and ensure their well-being despite uncertainties.

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Wills, Law Carisma Wills Wills, Law Carisma Wills

What is the Danish practice of ‘death cleaning’?

Death cleaning (like estate planning) isn’t some eerie ritual involving black candles and incantations. It’s your chance to embrace life and spread a little tidying magic along the way. It's about making space for the things that truly matter and finding peace of mind knowing that everything is in its proper place.

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Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Do I have to tell anyone what’s in my Will?

It may be challenging to have a conversation about your Will.

Many people find talking about dying painful and upsetting. We all know that despite the taboos, the inevitable will happen to us one day. It pays to make plans.

Here are a few handy tips to help you talk about your wishes and make the conversation as conflict-free and easy as possible.

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Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What can I do to avoid probate delays?

Behind every probate application is a bereaved family trying to organise their affairs at what can be a very sensitive time. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) aims to make the process of applying for probate as easy as possible for members of the public and probate professionals.

Here are a few top tips to help you avoid delays.

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Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

Can I give away my home to avoid tax?

Are you considering gifting your house to your children while you're still living in it?

You can give your house away to your children and continue living in it. BUT… and it’s a very big BUT… have you considered the 7 major disadvantages?

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Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW Wills, Estate planning Donna Hames BA Hons LLB Hons GDL(CPE) MIPW

What information will my executors need?

Your executors will need to be able to find your personal and financial information when the time comes. A simple way to do this is to create a folder or document for your executors - one that details what you own and where you keep vital information. In this blog we share helpful hints, tips and our handy resources:

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Wills Donna Hames Wills Donna Hames

Crushing your 2024 Goals

Was making your Will on your NY resolutions list last year? Perhaps it’s the one goal you didn’t achieve in 2023. We understand it can feel daunting, but estate planning is simply part of sensible financial planning. Here’s a personal account of events that triggered action.

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