Bina Menz Estate Planning Ltd

13/05/2026

Gosh what an interesting interview. There were so many aspects of the jobs that these amazing people do that were fascinating, and I love that they all said we should talk about death more honestly.

Whether during group talks, or when meeting Clients, I always highlight to people the importance of speaking to those around them about their wishes, and making sure they know what their loved ones want, regardless of their age. These conversations are much easier to have in advance!

I also appreciated when they said about speaking to children right from the start about death. My little girl often says "Mummy in our next lives can we..." 😊🧡.

Do you talk to family about death or do you find it difficult? Do your children/ parents try to avoid the subject? I'd be interested in hearing your experiences. And definitely watch the video if you get the chance.

We're back with another episode of Roundtable. In this video, we he...

23/04/2026

It's a busy event today at Rushcliffe Arena for the Dementia and Carer's Roadshow. We're here until 1pm if you're in the area, there is an incredible amount of information and help available.

01/02/2026

I saw someone recently, I'll call them J, who owned a property with an elderly relative as tenants in common (so they both had their own defined share which they could leave as they wished). The relative was leaving their share to other beneficiaries, and not to J.

J was told by a friend that should the relative die, they would still be able to live in the property as they owned half, had done so much work in the property, and therefore couldn't be made to leave. The friend telling them this had made J feel very reassured. However this is incorrect.

The other beneficiaries could attempt to force a sale, and I advised J that it would be prudent to make plans for what they can/ would do if this happens.

In these circumstances, the relative could potentially have set up a Right to Occupy Trust so that, for example, J could live in the property for their lifetime, and the other beneficiaries would inherit upon J's death. Sadly though, the relative has now lost capacity, so this option has been lost.

It is so important to get advice from people who really understand how things work, and also to prepare for the future well in advance. In the above example, it is very likely that there will be one or several very unhappy people, which was avoidable.

What legacy will you be leaving?

27/01/2026

This was a very interesting landmark case, which ultimately had to go to the Court of Protection.

The policeman, Paul Briggs, had a serious motorcycle accident resulting in a brain bleed, spinal fractures, and other injuries. His wife, knowing his wishes, wanted life support to be withdrawn. "She said: "I think he would see it as torture, just as hell, that everything he believes in and he lives for would just be taken away from him.

"He would be living for no reason.""

However, as there were no Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, his wife had to go to court to be able to enable this to happen.

This case underlines the importance of having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place for all ages, not just the elderly (Paul was only 43 years of age). Most people assume that they can make decisions for family, particularly for their spouse, but this is not always the case.

A judge is asked to decide whether life support treatment for a policeman in a coma should be stopped.

25/01/2026

Children getting disinherited sadly happens more often than you might think. Do you know someone this has happened to? It is not just specific to blended families, but is more likely to happen in this situation. It is so important to get advice for your own circumstances so that your wishes can be honoured.

Trusts within Wills are a great tool to prevent sideways disinheritance, and I'm finding Clients are more frequently wanting this protection, rather than setting up standard Mirror Wills.

"'If you are only doing a mirror will and it gives everything to your partner with the understanding they will honour your wishes after you die, you are relying solely on trust. It is not binding,' he warns.

'That might seem fine in the moment. However, what we see all too often is if the first person passes away, their surviving partner decides they never really liked their stepchildren and changes the will to leave everything – or a larger share – to their own blood relatives.'"

Janice Chapple (pictured), an only child, was sure the family fortune would one day come to her.

19/01/2026

This was an interesting read, and reminded me of a lady who approached me once before a talk to a Carer's group.

She passed me a DIY Will that her Mum had made and asked me if it was valid. I advised her that her Mum would need to contact me so that I could sit down with her and understand her wishes, otherwise it was impossible for me to know whether the Will reflected this. However, I did notice that the Will had not been signed in front of two witnesses, so was invalid anyway. She asked if she could get someone to sign as a second witness now; this certainly would not make the Will valid!

Making a Will yourself, or even online, can be a risky proposition. It is worth ensuring that you are aware of all the options available for your circumstances so you can make an informed decision, and have the peace of mind of knowing that your wishes will be honoured. Sadly, that lady had spent a long time drafting a Will with a friend that wasn't worth the paper it was written on.

"According to the National Wills Report 2024, 23% of those with a will opted for DIY kits, online services, or other non-professional methods. Concerns remain over the quality of wills produced, including a common failure to account for complex family or financial situations and many DIY wills never been properly executed, rendering them invalid."

A freedom of information (FoI) request has confirmed the number of contentious probate matters is on the increase; and by as much as 56%.

16/11/2025

This is set to be a great event, with lots of useful information available. I'm looking forward to being able to see and speak to people in the local area.

If you're in the area it would be great to see you!

05/11/2025

Great event today for the NHS MSK (musculoskeletal) Living Well Community Event. It was great to see and speak to so many other valuable services, and be on hand to have helpful and important conversations with those attending.

14/10/2025

Did you know that the price of registration for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA's) is increasing on the 17th November? The standard fee, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian, is increasing from £82 to £92 per document.

I was speaking at a Carer's group last week about having to apply for deputyship if there is no LPA in place, and how this is a costly process. A gentleman at the front said that he had just gone through this when his wife had lost capacity. In total he had spent £7,500 to be able to make decisions on her behalf. Aside from the cost, it was a lengthy and stressful process that could have been avoided by organising the documents in advance.

It is so important to plan for the future. Feel free to get in touch for more information, or to book a talk on Estate Planning.

24/07/2025

I'm looking forward to being part of the Carer's Roadshow in Arnold on Monday, alongside other valuable services.

Come and say hi if you're in the area!