Legal Affairs - Facing Bereavement

Executing a Will

As long as a will is valid its terms must be followed whether the surviving family and friends are pleased with them or not. The person chosen to make sure that these terms are carried out is known as the executor and is named specifically in the will. In some cases, several executors may be… Continue reading Executing a Will

Useful resources

Understanding Probate

Probate is usually defined as the right to deal with a deceased individual s estate. This is usually assumed by someone who was named as an executor in the deceased s will or if there was no will then someone close to the deceased may apply in order to administer the estate. Continue reading for… Continue reading Understanding Probate

What if There is No Will?

When someone dies, those left have to deal with the issue of what to do with their property and belongings. If there is no Will (i.e the estate is intestate), there is legislation that helps with the process of dividing any assets. Here are the basic steps to follow: Check that there is definitely no… Continue reading What if There is No Will?

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order are basically notes in a patient s file that they do not want to be resuscitated should their heart stop. Some people view DNR orders as akin to euthanasia and believe that patients who request this order are ensuring their own death. However the medical establishment views DNR orders as… Continue reading Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

The Bereavement Register

The Bereavement Register (www.the-breavement-register.org.uk) was originally launched in the United Kingdom in 2000 as a centralised means of registering a death so that direct mail will no longer be sent in his or her name. The Register has become so successful that it has since been begun in Canada and France as well. With more… Continue reading The Bereavement Register

Wrongful Death Suits

In general wrongful death is a term that might be applied to any death that results due to the wrongful actions, the neglect or the default of another individual. England and Wales use the same legislation to govern cases of this type, while Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own legislation to govern such… Continue reading Wrongful Death Suits

Living Wills

Living wills are a way for you to express your wishes about your health and life, whether or not you are able to do so at the time such a decision must be made. Not all aspects of living wills are legally binding but there are some sections known as advance directives that state your… Continue reading Living Wills

Death Certificates

In the United Kingdom a medical certificate which states the cause of death is needed to register a death. Registering a death is necessary before approval can be granted for a burial or cremation. Thus obtaining a death certificate is the first step towards laying your loved one to rest. Obtaining a Death Certificate A… Continue reading Death Certificates

Debts After Death

When someone dies any private property, possessions, investments and other assets owned by that person becomes known as his or her estate. A chosen executor (as stipulated in the deceased s will) or administrator (appointed by law if no will exists) will have this estate assembled and documented, valued, taxed correctly and finally distributed it… Continue reading Debts After Death

Inheriting Property

When someone dies any private property (or shares in a private property) that (s)he owned will become a part of his or her estate. This estate will be distributed according to the law either by the executor (someone named in the deceased s will) or administrator (someone appointed by law in the event that no… Continue reading Inheriting Property