Family structures are often complicated and our older generations are living longer than ever before. When a marriage breaks down and assets have to be divided, there is often a lot of work to be done to resolve inheritance law issues.
Osbornes Law has a team of inheritance law specialists who can help guide you through all the legal formalities of inheritance and inherited wealth, whether or not there are disputes to be resolved.
Post Nuptial & Pre-Nuptial Agreements
A pre-nuptial agreement is a formal arrangement a couple enters into before they are married. It is designed to predetermine what should happen in the event that the marriage ends in divorce. It is particularly relevant for people whose families have significant assets such as a business that they intend to pass on, or for individuals who bring wealth to a marriage.
A postnuptial agreement deals with the same issues but detailing what happens to each partner’s assets after divorce. However, a postnuptial agreement is entered into during the marriage, and can be a good protection if there is uncertainty (for instance, if you previously separated but have decided to come back into the relationship.
If you need to, or are considering drawing up either of these formal arrangements, Osbornes Law family solicitors have all the expertise to help you. They approach every situation with care and sensitivity.
Intestate Law – Dying Without a Will
When someone dies without having made a valid will, their estate must be shared out in accordance with certain rules: the rules of intestacy. Someone who dies without a will is called an intestate person, and only married/civil partners or certain other close relatives can inherit under intestacy laws. They will also apply if a will is made that is not legally valid.
If the intestate person has surviving children or grandchildren, and the estate is valued at more than £250,000, the married or civil partner inherits:
- The intestate person’s personal property/belongings
- The first £250,000 of the estate
- Half of the remaining estate
In the event that there are no surviving children or grandchildren, the partner inherits everything.
There are a great many ins and outs of intestate law, so it is important that you employ reputable, reliable inheritance lawyers to ensure everything is done correctly. At Osbornes Law, we can fill this role and help bring your intestate law problems to a satisfactory conclusion.
Claims Against Inherited Wealth
Once the decision to divorce is made, the process of untangling the assets and finances that are shared can be daunting. It is important, however, to secure the right financial settlement for your own future. Financial settlements are legally binding decisions regarding the division of wealth when a marriage ends. There is much to consider, and it always helps to have the best legal expertise in inherited wealth on your side.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial settlements because there are many variables that make one situation different to another. Making a claim against inherited wealth does not necessarily have to go to court – an agreement can be reached through negotiation, arbitration, mediation or collaboration. Our family law specialists have training in mediation and arbitration to help with the process. We aim to ensure you understand what’s happening at every stage and feel comfortable with every decision.
Our Specialist Inheritance Lawyers & Solicitors
We specialise in all aspects of inherited wealth and inheritance law, and we offer our services to clients in need. Our team has a great deal of experience and training in the areas of law that relate to inherited wealth and inheritance, and can offer trusted advice with the utmost compassion, sensitivity and confidentiality.
There are few experiences in life that are more emotionally difficult than going through a divorce or being bereaved, and the legal work can feel incredibly daunting. Osbornes Law solicitors are here to help navigate through the challenges to come to the right conclusion and allow you to move on with your life. If you’re in need of any of the services listed above, please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7485 8811 for a confidential discussion.
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