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Acting as an Executor – Part 4: Distributing the Estate

Once you have obtained the Grant for the estate, realised the assets and paid all of the outstanding debts then the next step will be distributing the funds to the beneficiaries who are entitled to inherit.

Claims under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Most of us will (fortunately) go through life without ever needing to think too hard about harassment laws. But for those who find themselves on the receiving end of persistent, unwanted behaviour — whether it’s online abuse, threatening messages, or being followed or watched — it can be a frightening and isolating experience.

Below, we set out how the law works, how compensation is calculated, and how Vine Law can support you in making a claim if needed.

Planning for the future when you have a blended family

Blended families are now more common than ever, with many people starting new relationships, getting married, and entering into civil partnerships later in life, often bringing children from previous relationships.  Being part of a blended family comes with unique legal and financial considerations that need careful planning.

Don’t Forget the Dog: Including Pets in Your Will

Why it’s important to plan for your pet’s future in your will

Most of us think of our pets as part of the family: loyal companions, quirky characters, and an ever-present source of comfort.  But while many pet owners plan for the future of their loved ones, far fewer think about what might happen to their pets when they’re no longer around.

Not made your Will yet?

If you haven’t made a Will yet, you are leaving the distribution of your estate after your death to be dealt with by legislation that is 100 years old this year.

If you consider how much life has changed in the last 100 years, it might seem strange that legislation from shortly after the end of the First World War still dictates who should inherit on your death.

The rules make no allowances for co-habiting partners and only recognises spouses or civil partners.

First Registration

Do you know if your property is registered at the Land Registry or unregistered?

If it is unregistered, will this cause a problem if you want to sell the property or leave it to your beneficiaries in their will?  Is there anything you should do?  The answer is that there is nothing wrong with having unregistered title deeds - they are still valid and will prove that you are the legal owner of the property.  

However, we would always advise you to consider applying to the Land Registry for first registration before you want to sell or transfer your property as it may save time during the process if there are issues to resolve.

Is your will up to date? Here’s why it matters

This Update Your Will Week (3rd - 9th March 2025), we’re joining The Association of Lifetime Lawyers to raise awareness around the importance of keeping wills up to date.

A will isn’t just a legal document - it’s your voice, your wishes and your legacy. Yet many people don’t realise how quickly life changes, which can make an old will outdated and vulnerable to being challenged.

Changing Your Name Explained

Many people go by a name that’s different from the one on their birth certificate.  Sometimes it’s a small change, like altering the spelling of a first or last name, or adding a hyphen for a double-barrelled surname.  Other times, it’s as simple as using a nickname that has become the norm.

While you can technically change your name whenever you like without any formal steps, it can cause problems when you need to prove your identity.  If your ID is based on your birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport, you’ll need official documentation to show you’re the same person, but with a different name. 

Planning Ahead

In the October 2024 Budget the chancellor Rachel Reeves made several changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regulations, with a view to increasing the tax collected.

With the announcement that the government are continuing the freeze on the IHT Nil Rate Band at £325,000 and the Residential Nil Rate Band at £175,000 until 5^th April 2030 it became apparent that more estates could potentially become liable to pay IHT than ever before.