Emma Trick Solicitor

02/06/2026

Did you know that your will automatically becomes invalid after you get married?

It’s a relic of Victorian law that still applies today – Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837 revokes any will made before marriage.

In Victorian times, it was designed to protect the wife who has likely to be dependent on their husband for financial support.

In today’s landscape, there is a growing concern about this, especially due to its impact on predatory marriages.

That’s why it’s important to check your will is still up-to-date, especially after major life changes.

Speak to a Lifetime Lawyer today to discuss your individual circumstances; https://www.lifetimelawyers.org.uk/Public/Radius-Search/Find-a-Lawyer?hkey=a662ac37-d6e2-4538-83bb-a031b0dea438

29/05/2026

⁉️ Did you know ⁉️

If you signed an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) before 1st October 2007, it is likely to still be valid today.

Many people assume their old EPA is out of date, or no longer usable, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

✅ EPAs can still be used to manage your financial affairs
✅ They can even be used without being registered while you still have mental capacity
✅ You may not need a new Property & Financial Affairs LPA if your EPA still does what you want

However:
⚠️ EPAs only cover financial matters, not health or care decisions
⚠️ Banks and other organisations are not always familiar with them
⚠️ They must be registered if you lose mental capacity

📖 I’ve written a short guide explaining this further if you'd like to read more https://emmatrick.co.uk/legal-guides/f/e-is-for-enduring-powers-of-attorney

☎ If you're not sure whether your EPA is still suitable, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to have a quick, free, no obligation chat.

If you’ve ever heard the term Enduring Power of Attorney (or EPA for short), you might wonder whether it’s still relevant today.

13/05/2026

This is a really useful article explaining the ‘probate’ process.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like assistance with part, or all, of the process.

Do you know what probate involves, or what to do if you’re named as an executor in a will?

This helpful guide from This is Money explains how to apply for probate and manage someone’s estate after they die, with valuable tips from Lifetime Lawyer's legal consultant Kirsty Limacher.

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/billsguides/article-2830448/A-quick-guide-probate-dealing-s-estate-die.html

12/05/2026

11/05/2026

Fraudsters exploit confusion or anxiety over new IHT rules by offering a ‘safe haven’ for savings pots

08/05/2026

⁉ Did you know ⁉

😳In England and Wales, if you die without a Will, your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit everything.

The intestacy rules would apply, and the outcome will depend on:
💍whether you are married or in a civil partnership
👶whether you have children
💰how much your estate is worth
🏠how your assets, including any property, are owned.

For someone who dies leaving a spouse/civil partner and children:

💫the spouse/civil partner receives the personal chattels;
💫the first £322,000 of your estate passes to your spouse/civil partner;
💫half of the remainder would pass to your spouse/civil partner; and
💫the remaining half would pass to your children.

This means that the surviving spouse/civil partner may not have complete control over all of your assets, which can create complications, particularly where wealth is tied up in the family home.

🛑Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit.
🛑Step-children are not automatically included, unless adopted.
🛑The rules take no account of family dynamics, individual wishes, or tax and planning considerations.

🌟A properly drafted Will allows you to decide exactly who inherits your estate rather than relying on the intestacy rules.

📲If you have any questions feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to have a quick chat, with no obligation.

30/04/2026

⁉ Did you know?

Putting your home 🏡 into a trust does not automatically protect it from Inheritance Tax or care fees.

✳️If you transfer your home into trust but continue to live there rent-free, it will usually still be treated as part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

✳️If the transfer was made to reduce assets for future care fees, a local authority may still take it into account under the deprivation of assets rules.

✨Crucially, whilst trusts certainly have their benefits in the right circumstances, they are not a magic fix.

🛑Unfortunately there are many unregulated and unqualified companies out there who will sell you a trust as a guaranteed way to “protect the house". Please be cautious, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

28/04/2026

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity.

There are two types: one dealing with financial decisions and the other with health and care decisions.

Many people think a Lasting Power of Attorney is something to consider later in life, but the reality is, loss of capacity can happen at any time.

Here’s why you should make LPAs now:

⏳ LPAs must be set up while you have capacity, so delaying it can mean losing the opportunity altogether – act early, stay protected and in control

🤕 Loss of capacity can happen at any time – whether through illness, unexpected injury, or a longer-term diagnosis

📆 Registration can take weeks or months, which can be critical in urgent situations – make sure you avoid delays

💕 Reduce stress for loved ones – avoids costly and time-consuming court applications

Speak to an accredited Lifetime Lawyer to get the right advice and put the right plans in place to safeguard your future. https://www.lifetimelawyers.org.uk/Public/Radius-Search/Find-a-Lawyer?hkey=a662ac37-d6e2-4538-83bb-a031b0dea438

22/04/2026