There are numerous steps to be taken when sorting out the affairs of someone who has died. These include;

• Obtaining details of all property and assets owned by the person
• Obtaining details of liabilities
• Obtaining valuations for tax purposes
• Making arrangements to pay inheritance tax as it becomes due
• Application for grant of probate
• Distribution of assets

As you can imagine such procedures may take some time to complete, depending on the level of complexity.

Pickworths works to make the administration of the estate as swift and smooth as possible and can also provide advice on tax planning and trusts.

Contact Kate McNamee or Ian Tottman in Hemel Hempstead.

The strange thing is that you will never make use of your will. Unfortunately your loved may need it urgently if something should happen to you suddenly. Unless you deal with your affairs properly, you may die 'intestate' (without leaving a will) and the intestacy rules will dictate the division of your assets.

A complicated formula applies if the person is married. If they die at the same time as their husband or wife then the younger is assumed to have died last and the assets may pass to their parents, leaving nothing for the older partners' family.

If the person is not married but lives with the partner then it can be even more difficult as the assets may go to the next of kin (children or parents) but not to the partner at all.

The sure way to settle such matters is to make a will through a reputable solicitor. By so doing you will be sure that all the necessary considerations have been made for dependent children, financial planning, tax planning and so on.

Contact Kate McNamee or Ian Tottman in Hemel Hempstead.

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