Probate – dealing with variations in valuations between death and distribution

As an executor, you bear significant responsibility for administering the estate of the deceased person. A key challenge during this process is managing any variations in asset valuations that can occur between the date of death and the eventual distribution to beneficiaries. These fluctuations can arise due to changes in market conditions, the nature of the assets themselves, or [...]

Financial checks when buying a property

When your offer on a new home is accepted, you will probably want to get things moving quickly. Before your solicitor can start work, there are some important checks that they must carry out to verify your identity and check your source of funds. Sadly, fraud has become an increasing problem in recent years, with professional criminals targeting conveyancers [...]

Buying a static caravan or park home

‘Buying a park home or a static caravan is an increasingly popular option says Cathal Murray of James McNulty & Co. ‘It appeals to all sorts of people; retirees, downsizers, or those simply looking to make the most of their leisure time. It can be a major financial commitment, so it is important not to scrimp on professional advice.’ [...]

Probate delays: don’t shoot the messenger

Delays in the Probate system have hit the headlines of late, with bereaved families having to wait many months to obtain a Grant of Probate – a stark contrast to the 16 weeks the Government says the application should take.  Adding to this, further delays at HMRC mean that Estates are taking much longer to finalise before everything can [...]

Six reasons why you may need a cohabitation agreement

Moving in together is an important and exciting step in a relationship. Whether you are moving into a house or apartment that one of you already owns, or renting or buying a place together, it is a commitment that is financial as well as emotional. Unlike almost any other financial commitment, cohabiting is one that you are able to [...]

Selling a property when there is a problem or dispute

If you are selling a property, as part of the standard conveyancing process, your buyers will expect you to provide certain information about your property. There are set questions for this in what are called Pre Contract Enquiries that asks if you are aware of any problems regarding the property, or any complaints about the management company, or any [...]

Gazumping and gazundering – perils in an uncertain market

Research suggests that nearly a third of recent sellers have suffered gazundering, which property pundits attribute to a downturn in the market. But, in some areas, the lack of suitable properties means there is still fierce competition for homes, with buyers trying to outbid each other via gazumping. ‘It is certainly a challenging time to be moving home,’ agrees [...]

Selling a property quickly to get out of a mortgage

Rising interest rates have dominated the headlines recently, with banks estimating a many households could see their monthly mortgage repayments increase by £500 over the next three years. If you are affected, you may even be thinking about giving up your property so you will no longer have the burden of a mortgage. ‘Becoming mortgage-free would certainly help ease [...]

Conditional gifts – allowing for everchanging future possibilities in your will

Deciding who should inherit from you in your will, how much they will get and in what shares, are big decisions to make. This can be made more difficult if you have particular concerns about a beneficiary and whether the inheritance could be at risk. ‘Second marriages, family disagreements, or children who have a lot of debt can all [...]

Charge on your property

What is the registered charge on a property? If you take out a mortgage to buy your home, your lender will almost certainly register a charge against it at the Land Registry. The charge does not transfer ownership. However, it will give the lender important rights, including the ability to sell your home if you default on your loan. [...]

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