In world flooded with advertisements for affordable DIY Wills and packs, the allure of saving money can be tempting.

Rebecca Armstrong

However, the real question is, do these DIY solutions truly save you money?

Rebecca Armstrong, Senior Associate Solicitor in our Will and Inheritance Dispute Team, reports on the pitfalls of DIY Wills.

The Cheap Appeal

The market is awash with ‘premium’ DIY Will packs priced as low as £7.99.  Testators simply fill in the boxes and believe they’ve secured their assets and ensured their wishes will be carried out when they are gone. Compared to the costs of hiring a solicitor, the affordability seems irresistible.

In today’s digital age, after a quick internet search, some may even venture to draft their Wills from scratch, assuming it’s a straightforward process. However, the reality is far more complex.

The Risky Reality

The apparent ease and cost-effectiveness of DIY Wills mask a significant risk—the absence of professional involvement. What may seem like a straightforward matter in a DIY template could be insufficient to fulfil your wishes. Further, without guidance from an experienced solicitor, one  might unknowingly violate the stringent requirements for a valid Will, potentially rendering it invalid or leading to prolonged and expensive litigation.

The risks involved:

  1. Legal Complexity: What may seem like a straightforward matter in a DIY Will template could be insufficient or even invalid if it falls fouls of the strict legal requirements for valid wills.
  2. Ambiguity and Errors: DIY Wills often lack the specificity and legal language required to accurately convey your intentions. Ambiguities or errors in the document can lead to confusion and disputes among your beneficiaries.
  3. Unforeseen Circumstances: DIY Wills typically don’t account for various life events or changes in circumstances that may affect the distribution of your assets. Without regular review and updates, your Will may become outdated and ineffective.

Professional Safeguards

When a solicitor is involved, they meticulously document all discussions with the testator. These records serve as crucial evidence in case of future Will disputes. Professionally drafted Wills tend to be more resilient to challenges, providing a safeguard against potential legal battles.

Further, legal professionals can assess your unique personal circumstances, anticipate potential issues and provide tailored solutions to ensure efficient distribution and protection of your assets.

The True Cost

Considering the substantial legal costs which can be associated with Wills and Inheritance disputes—often reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands—opting for a DIY Will becomes a false economy. The initial savings pale in comparison to the potential costs and headaches that may arise later.

The Wise Choice

While DIY solutions may seem appealing, the risks associated with creating a Will without professional guidance far outweigh any perceived benefits. For those contemplating their first Will or updating an existing one, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice from a qualified and experienced legal professional. This ensures that your wishes are accurately documented, legally sound and effectively implemented.

If you would like more information on Will Disputes please contact Rebecca Armstrong, Alan Douglas, Steve Bell, Laura Murphy or Michelle Forster.

Laura Murphy

We have all heard that ‘preparation is key to success’ and this is certainly true when it comes to protecting your family wealth. A few relatively straightforward planning measures can help to protect your assets from erosion by Inheritance Tax, care fees, incapacity and irresponsible beneficiaries. Here are just a few examples:

  1. Lasting Powers of Attorney

Putting your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place ensures that your assets can be managed by someone you trust, in the event that you lose your mental capacity. This cuts the risk of you falling victim to financial abuse (which is sadly of increasing concern) and eliminates the need for your family to apply for a Deputyship Order, which is an expensive and time-consuming process that comes with ongoing expenses.

  1. Will

Your Will is an ideal opportunity to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and that all available Inheritance Tax reliefs are maximised. You can also include Trusts within your Will, which can be very helpful for Inheritance Tax planning and also if any of your beneficiaries are children, or you are concerned about their ability to manage their inheritance for any other reason (their mental capacity, track record with finances or their present personal circumstances, such as divorce or addiction for example).

  1. Lifetime Estate Planning

There are various measures you can take during your lifetime to protect your assets for future generations, such as gifting sums directly, or placing assets in trust. These measures can reduce the value of your estate available for assessment of care fees in future and reduce the Inheritance Tax liability following your death. It is, however, essential to obtain advice in relation to these measures to ensure you do not fall foul of various anti-avoidance regulations.

At Nicholson Portnell, our team of specialists are ready to assist you with all of the above, in order to maximise the value of your estate for your chosen beneficiaries. For further information, please contact Laura Murphy, Alan Douglas, Steve Bell or Michelle Forster.

 

 

 

Emma Heather

Emma Heather

A Parenting Plan is a voluntary, written agreement between parents (and can include grandparents and other family members).
The Plan covers practical issues in relation to the children such as living arrangements, education, healthcare, and finances.
The aim of the Plan is to assist parents in resolving arrangements amicably and informally.

A written Parenting Plan, worked out between parents, will help to clarify the arrangements you need to put in place for the care for your children.
It will help everyone involved to know what is expected of them and it will be a valuable reference as time passes and circumstances change.

when holidays are coming up, both parents will want to spend time with their children, but may be uncertain about how to arrange this amicably with their ex-partner. A Parenting Plan can provide stability in contact arrangements, enabling parents to plan and make the most of their time with their children.

Nicholson Portnell are able to assist with negotiating and writing a Parenting Plan for you, in conjunction with your children’s other parent, whether you are the main carer or have your children for a more limited time.

If you would like to discuss your specific situation, please contact: Emma Heather, Janine Calkin & Vicki Waters.

Senior Partner Richard Nelson welcoming (from left) Henry Box, Hayley Olson & Laura Murphy

Tynedale Solicitors Nicholson Portnell are pleased to welcome three new recruits to their busy Hexham Practice.

Henry Box has joined Nicholson Portnell as a solicitor in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution department. Having qualified as a barrister in 2009, he later cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and practised commercial litigation from a number of firms in Newcastle. He took the opportunity In 2016 to embark on a career in education, but on being offered a position by Nicholson Portnell he decided to return to legal practice.

Hayley Olson is a Hexham native with a long family history in the town. She is currently furthering her studies through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Laura Murphy is returning to Nicholson Portnell, having originally qualified as a solicitor with the firm in 2010, before expanding her career in Newcastle. Specialising in private client work, Laura has particular experience in the administration of complex and high value estates. Laura is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.”

 

 

 

 

 

Alan Douglas

Alan Douglas

In the New Year thoughts will turn towards our New Year’s resolutions.  Why not make a resolution this year to put your legal affairs in order? 

Making a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney makes matters as easy as possible for your family to deal with if the worst happens.   

 

Making a Will allows you to decide what will happen to your money, property, and other assets after your death.  You are also able to appoint the executors who will deal with matters at that time.   

 

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document by which you can appoint anyone you choose to deal with matters for you whilst you are still alive, but if you have become unable to deal with things for yourself.  There are separate documents available for property and financial matters or for health and welfare decisions.  No family member (not even a spouse) has any automatic right to deal with matters or make decisions for you unless you have made a Lasting Power of Attorney. This includes the giving or refusing of consent to proceed with life sustaining treatment. 

 

At Nicholson Portnell our specialist Solicitors are available to discuss these matters with you and if you wish to discuss any of the points raised above, please contact Alan Douglas, Steve Bell, Laura Murphy, Michelle Forster & Hayley Olson.

Right to Left – Richard Nelson, Tracy Bell and Jenny Ford

Hexham Solicitors Nicholson Portnell has recently added top talent to its bustling property team.

Paralegal Tracy Bell and Solicitor Jenny Ford have been appointed to the company’s Property Department.

Relocating from Devon, Tracy boasts an impressive 18-year legal track record. Originally from Lincolnshire, she enjoys reading, the theatre, travelling, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time. After her move to Northumberland, she is ‘very much enjoying exploring all that the county has to offer’.

Jenny’s credentials include a specialisation in property law, with a career mainly based working in-house for housing associations. There she dealt with ‘complex and unusual’ property transactions, and various aspects of landlord and tenant law. This mother-of-two balances her professional focus on both commercial and residential property transactions with a passion for outdoor activities and spending time with her daughters.

Upon welcoming the pair, Senior Partner Richard Nelson expressed his confidence in the new additions. He said “We are very fortunate to have recruited to our team additions of the calibre of Tracy and Jenny. I’m confident they perfectly complement our service”.

Emma Heather

Emma Heather

For most people it is a daily occurrence to enter into contracts without realising that it has happened. We have employment contracts, tenancy agreements, business leases, contracts with childcare providers, builders, architects, the milk man, the coal man and many more besides. In most cases we don’t think about the contractual nature of the arrangement, and we won’t always sign a contract. But what happens when we want to end the agreement, or something goes wrong? Very often it will be obvious that the particular project has come to an end and the agreed price paid or notice will be given that we have, say, moved house so no longer need milk or coal deliveries and need to change the children’s nursery. Other matters such as employment contracts and tenancy agreements will often have clauses in the contract specifying how and when notice should be given to terminate or what should happen if there is a dispute. It is important to be clear not only about what is required under the terms of the contract but whether that can be over-ridden by legislation. It’s usually only when something goes wrong that the paperwork is re-visited, and legal advice sought which can lead to bitter disputes that are time consuming and expensive for all concerned.

  • Does it really matter if I write a letter on pink paper or cream paper?
  • Will it make any difference if I send an email or 3:59pm or 4:01pm?
  • Can my landlord terminate my tenancy even if I have done nothing wrong?
  • Can my employer dismiss me without giving me a reason why?
  • Does my neighbour have any right to come onto my property if I don’t want him to?
  • Can my boundary line be altered with the passage of time even if it is clearly set out in my Deeds?

The answer to all of these questions is “yes, it could”. Nicholson Portnell can advise you about these and other Dispute Resolution and Litigation matters as well as assess the most appropriate way in which to fund your legal fees.

Sara Frost, Steve Bell, Michelle Forster & Alan Douglas   

A question we are being regularly asked at the moment is how soon can a property be sold after a homeowner has died.

The answer depends on various factors including the time involved in in the Probate Registry processing the application for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.

Currently the Probate Registry is quoting an anticipated timescale of 16 weeks for the Grant to be issued from the date of the application via their online portal. Occasionally it is issued more quickly but it is best to allow 16 weeks. If the case cannot be submitted via the online portal then it is advisable to allow at least an additional 8 to 10 weeks for a paper application to be processed.

If a full IHT400 Inheritance Tax is required (this will depend on the circumstances of the case) then there is an additional 4 weeks whilst HM Revenue & Customs deal with their aspect.

Another time element to be borne in mind is how long it takes to collate the financial information required to complete the application for the Grant. This can vary from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the finances of the person that has died.

It is of course possible to start marketing a property whilst the application for the Grant is being processed but it is important to make the estate agents aware that the sale is subject to the Grant being received so that the expectations of the buyers can be effectively managed.

If an acceptable offer is received then the conveyancing process can be progressed whilst the Grant is awaited but contracts won’t be exchanged until the Grant is received (technically it is possible to exchange contracts before the Grant is issued but we would strongly advise against it and if the buyers need a mortgage then it is highly unlikely the mortgage company would allow this).

In summary it is best to allow approximately 4 to 6 months before contracts can be exchanged on a sale. However, because every case will differ depending on the facts in is advisable for you to discuss this with a lawyer to get a more accurate estimate.

Steve Bell, Helen Appleby-Mitchell and Richard Nelson

Hexham Solicitors Nicholson Portnell are delighted to announce the recruitment of new members to their busy conveyancing and Private Client teams.

Although steeped in farming thanks to his upbringing on a Devon Farm, Steve Bell took the opportunity on leaving school to enter the legal profession, initially in a clerical and later IT capacity. This sparked a lifelong interest in the law, which Steve pursued by initially qualifying as a legal executive. This led to further academic qualifications and ultimately to his qualifying as a solicitor in 2006.

Pursuing his career with four firms in his native Devon, Steve initially dealt with both Conveyancing and Private Client matters before eventually opting to specialise in Private Client work.

Changing family circumstances led Steve and his wife Tracy to make the decision to relocate to the North East. Explaining the decision to move the entire length of the country, Steve says that he and Tracy have been in the habit of visiting the North East for a number of years, eventually leading to their decision that it was the place for them to settle.

Since making his move north, Steve has been filling his spare time with exploring his new surroundings and especially in walking the beaches in Northumberland coast.

His move north also made it somewhat easier for Steve to pursue one of his other interests in life namely following Leeds United Football Club. Asked how he came to follow this particular team, Steve attributes it to his elder brother, who was a dedicated fan in the Leeds heyday of 1970s, and who passed on his love of the club to younger brother Steve.

Steve’s involvement in football has not been limited to  spectating, having been a speedy winger in his youth. Indeed, speed seems to be something of a common thread in Steve’s sporting interests, as he is a been motorcyclist and Formula 1 fan, and has even, on occasion, raced Formula Ford in his time.

Nicholson Portnell’s second recruitment of the spring actually sees the return of a familiar face in Helen Appleby-Mitchell. Originally from Gateshead, Helen was with Nicholson Portnell  from 2014 until 2016, having previously attended the university of Hertfordshire and trained as a solicitor in Milton Keynes.

Following her initial spell with Nicholson Portnell, Helen worked as a solicitor with firms in the Chester le Street and Gateshead areas, before taking a career break to become a mum to daughter Robyn and son Joe. Having become a mum, Helen wanted to adjust her work-life balance, and Nicholson Portnell, with its family-orientated flexible working patterns, seemed the ideal place to restart her career.

As a busy working mum, Helen’s spare time is limited, but she invests much of it in music. A multi-instrumentalist in her youth, Helen now concentrates on singing in a Rock Choir. Although Helen’s choir is based in Chester le Street, Rock Choir is a national organisation, which occasionally sees several local branch choirs linking up into national mega choir.

Not content with this, Helen is also a keen runner, currently returning to the “Couch to 5K” fitness programme. She has completed several marathons in the past and is now working up to that level once again.

Welcoming Steve and Helen to the firm, partner Richard Nelson said that he was delighted that the firm had acquired 2 experienced practitioners who both fully subscribed to the firms ethos of providing a professional yet personal service.

Both Helen and Steve look forward to meeting clients and being of service to them in the years to come.

 

Alan Douglas

Alan Douglas

If you have ever acted as an executor or an administrator of someone’s estate, you will probably appreciate that this can be a very difficult and demanding job. It can also be a role which is fraught with personal risk. In many ways, dealing with someone else’s assets is more problematic than dealing with your own.
There are various reasons why it might be preferable/comforting to have the benefit of legal advice/assistance if you find yourself dealing with an estate of relative or friend. For example:

  • Executors/administrators can be personally liable to pay any estate debts out of their own pockets if these only come to light after the estate has been distributed (although action an be taken to limit this liability.)
  • Claims can be made against the estate by certain disappointed relatives/dependants in certain circumstances, and again executors/administrators can be personally liable if they do not act prudently/cautiously.
  • H M Revenue & Customs can impost financial penalties on executors/administrators if they have not made full disclosure of all relevant matters (including any relevant lifetime gifts made by the deceased).
  • The Department for Work and Pensions has powers to claim back any overpayment of benefits which may have been made during the last few years of a person’s life. IF the estate has been distributed in the meantime executors/administrators can be personally liable for any refund due.

If you wish to seek advice about an estate or you wish to discuss any of the points raised above, please contact Alan Douglas, Sara Frost or Steve Bell.