Jane’s Blog
News and Views from Jane Cassell
Future Proof Your Will
Is it really possible to future proof your Will? Yes and no. No professional is going to tell you that you'll never have to change your Will ever again. However, if you incorporate a back up plan for each element of your Will, then at least if unexpected things occur,...
Going on Holiday?
Holidays tend to be scheduled. Death is often not. I often get a call from clients who are going on holiday, who suddenly feel that Wills are a priority, and they want to get them done before they leave. It's sensible to decide how important pre-holiday Wills are to...
Getting Married?
Many people are surprised to hear that marriage cancels your Will. Unless that is, your Will is written in anticipation of that marriage to that specific person, and includes the special wording to ensure it's not revoked on your wedding day. If you want to request an...
Now we get it more than we did
Without wanting to sound arrogant, I had always thought I was a pretty empathetic person, but since my Dad, the head of my family, started using a walking stick, I have infinitely more insight into mobility issues than I had before. Now in my business, assuming that...
Let’s talk about money
When it comes to Probate work, a lot of it is very predictable. Once the assets and liabilities have been established, papers collated, it's clear to a specialist what needs to be done. If there's a Will, making it clear who's in charge, and to whom the assets will...
No-one expects to have a stroke
I find it really interesting to hear people's reasons why they don't need Lasting Powers of Attorney. Most people are aware of families where say the husband has suffered a stroke, or other debilitating condition, and the wife is having a really tough time, trying to...
What’s the difference that makes the difference?
I recently attended a spa. Great massage, great experience. I returned, (it was great value and I was able to go back within the week), and the experience was mediocre. What was the difference? I lay on that massage table, in a not very meditative state, and later...
Do you think you’ll tempt fate?
Again and again, I hear sensible, intelligent people, suggest that if they get their Will done, they may tempt fate - they may increase the chance of dying in the near future. That's illogical. But if it's a real belief, it's going to be a real fear. Somebody recently...
Joint Tenants vs. Tenants in Common, what does it all mean?
People sometimes arrive at my office to give Will instructions, with the idea they've read in the newspaper, that it'll be better to hold their home as Tenants in Common, as it'll save tax or provide more protection than "the other way." There are two ways to hold a...