In our article on 2nd July Cashing in on Death (link to) we reported on the alarming news that banks, specialist probate firms and Will-writers were exploiting the public with their probate charges. Since then our investigations and links with local support groups have highlighted a worrying development.
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Betting on a charity’s future after your death
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
On 21st June, the Daily Telegraph reported on the story of Nicholas Newlife’s estate and the impact it could have on the charity Oxfam.
Mr Newlife left his entire estate to Oxfam when he died in February 2009, aged 69, which included the outcomes of the series of outstanding bets he had placed.
By their Deeds shall ye know them
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
The Land Registry’s reliance on paperless deeds gives ID theft opportunities.
When the Land Registration Act 2002 abolished paper deeds, professionals voiced concerns about how easy it would be for fraudsters to impersonate landowners to bring about sales or mortgages of property. With anyone able to check ownership, and mortgage status of registered property at the click of a mouse, a lot of information is publicly available which can help villains transfer ownership of properties fraudulently.
Did you know? – Registration Fraud
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Fraud fact: Just over £5 million was paid out by Land Registry in 2008/9 for 62 fraud and forgery claims, out of more than 4 million applications to change the register
Anyone who owns a property they do not live in, such as buy-to let landlords, or those living abroad may be at increased risk of registration fraud.
Did you know? – Drainage searches
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Why conveyancers obtain drainage and water searches ?
These contain information as to:
whether foul water and surface drainage from the property drain to a pubic sewer,
the location of public sewers within boundaries of the property or its vicinity,
whether the sewers or proposed sewers are adopted,
the location of public water mains and whether the property is connected,
the basis of charging for the sewerage and water supply to the property
Will Aid – Wards Solicitors come out winners
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
2010 News – Will Aid – Article
Wards Solicitors with ten branches in the Bristol area raised a record £15,365. Although the firm has participated in previous Will Aid campaigns, this amazing fundraising total smashes their previous record and makes them the current top performing firm. Jenny Pierce, equity partner and Head of Probate Team explains how they achieved such a great result:
Lawyers are people too …….
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
In my Conveyancing team I have :
- One attendee of Westlife concert
- A keen gardener
- 2 netball players
- A new mum to be
- An advanced driver
- A qualified driving instructor (not the same as the above)
- A lay preacher
- An equestrian
- A scuba diver (same person as the above)
- An arm chair sports fan (it’s a serious business…)
- A new Mum for the 2nd time
- A golfer, or two
- A keen cyclist
- An occasional runner, or two
Susan Ellis - Head of Conveyancing team
What happens when living together doesn’t work? A cautionary tale for unmarried cohabitees
Monday, July 12th, 2010
When the Judge allowed Mr Kernott, the ex partner of Miss Jones, to claim 50% of the value of their jointly-owned house, despite having left the home 17 years previously and paying no part of the mortgage in that time, the judgment caused an uproar.
Did you know? – Voluntary First Registration
Friday, July 9th, 2010
- that 30% of Land in England and Wales is unregistered *
- that even if your title is currently unregistered you can apply to the land Registry for this to be registered.
Did you know? Land registration
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
All land and property ownership in England and Wales is subject to a system of registration at the Land Registry. Land registration confers benefits and safeguards to property owners. In particular the registered title is guaranteed so that if an owners suffers loss as a result of an error in the title, compensation should be payable.