Sometimes it can be difficult to locate the executor of a will, particularly if a will and testament is prepared many years before an individual’s passing. 

Read more: What Happens if the Executor of a Will Dies?

In this case, there are a number of steps that must be taken to delegate the items of the deceased’s estate and ensure everyone receives the inheritance they’re entitled to: More...

We recognise that the law can be confusing if you’re not familiar with it. If you’re elderly or become sick, legalities are the last thing you want to be battling to understand. So, we have written our guide to explain the rights you and your loved ones have regarding inheritance and POwer of Attorney issues. More...

During an emotional time, the last thing you need is to be distracted by confusing jargon. Unfortunately, if you are not familiar with wills and probate then you can get caught out by some terminology that surrounds them. 

At Howells Solicitors we always do our best to ensure that you completely understand everything that is happening. In order to assist this, we’ve put together a complete jargon buster for probate and wills: More...

What is a Beneficiary of a Will? 

A beneficiary will be an individual or legal entity that receives an inheritance/gift from a Will. There are particular legal rights which will help ensure that the inheritance from the Will is managed and passed to the beneficiary in line with the testator’s’ wishes. 

Rights of a Beneficiary to a Will 

Beneficiaries and executors of a Will have various rights which they share in common. These rights only come into effect after the death of the testator, up until this point any beneficiary will have no interest in the assets. Beneficiaries can be removed/changed any time before the death of a testator. More...

Around 180,000 people a year die intestate (without making a will). That is a shocking 56% of UK deaths. Dying without a will can cause significant problems for the people you leave behind, and should be avoided where at all possible.

(Read more: 5 Common Myths associated with Dying without a Will (Intestate))

Why should you make a will?

To help convince those who are delaying or even having doubts about writing a will, we've listed 10 very good reasons why you should.

1.    First and foremost, a will puts you in control. You choose who will benefit from your estate and what they are entitled to. You also decide who will administer your affairs after your death.

2.    If you don’t make a will, the intestacy rules will decide who benefits from your estate and that can produce undesirable results.  The law also sets a hierarchy of who is able to handle your financial affairs after death, and that can lead to problems if the person is not suitable because of age, health, geographical location, or for any other reason. More...