Questions and answers about Succession Law
What happens if there are not enough assets to cover a specific gift in a will? 1 answer
1 answerMy uncle’s will left a specific amount of money to several nieces and nephews, plus a house to one sibling, but after debts and expenses were paid there does not seem to be enough left to pay all the cash gifts in full. How is this resolved?
I have been named executor in my aunt’s will and I am told I need to get probate before I can deal with her bank accounts and property. I have never done this before. What is probate and how do I apply?
I want to update my will to add a grandchild as a beneficiary and change an executor. Can I just write the changes on the existing will, or do I need to start again with a lawyer’s help? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.
My mother told us before she died that she wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered at a particular place, but some family members disagree and want a burial instead. Are her wishes legally binding on us?
My husband recently passed away, and we owned our house and other property together. I am unsure whether I simply keep everything as the surviving partner or if the estate has some claim over it. How does this work?
My father made a new will only months before he passed, at a time when his memory was failing badly and he was heavily medicated. The new will strongly favours one sibling. Can this be challenged? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.
What is the difference between an executor and a trustee under a will? 1 answer
1 answerMy aunt’s will names the same two people as executors and trustees, and I am not sure what the difference is or whether it matters. Could you explain the roles and why the distinction might be important?
My father passed away recently and, as far as we know, he never made a will. We do not know what happens to his house, savings and belongings, or who is legally allowed to deal with his affairs. How does the law decide this?
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