Posts by Andrew Upton
🏡 Protecting Your Home for the Next Generation: Why Consider a Property Protection Trust?
For many of us, our home isn’t just our biggest asset—it’s the heart of our family and a reward for decades of hard work. That’s why considering a property protection trust is so important for anyone who wants to safeguard their legacy. We grew up being told to buy property, live within our means, and…
Read MoreWhy DIY Wills Fall Short: Dementia, Disputes & Defending Your Wishes 🧠✍️
Dementia Is Rising—So Are Will Disputes Dementia is one of the UK’s fastest-growing health challenges. The NHS recently reported a record number of dementia diagnoses in England. As our population ages, more families face not only the heartbreak of dementia but also unexpected legal battles over Wills. Why does this matter? Dementia affects a person’s…
Read MoreIntestacy in England & Wales: Why 1 in 11 Families Face Extra Stress After a Death—and How to Avoid It
What Is Intestacy? 🤔 When someone dies without a valid Will, their estate falls under the rules of intestacy. As a result, the law decides who inherits, not you. In 2023/24, there were 51,136 applications for Letters of Administration in England and Wales. That’s 9% of all registered deaths—almost 1 in 11 families left to…
Read MoreOver-65s Hold £2.9 Trillion in Property Wealth: How to Protect Your Legacy
Unlocking Property Wealth for Over-65s 🏡✨ Did you know that over-65s in the UK hold a staggering £2.9 trillion in property wealth outright? 🏠 This incredible figure reflects a lifetime of hard work and dedication. However, without proper planning, this wealth could face risks like inheritance tax, family disputes, or inefficient distribution. At Beacon Advice,…
Read MoreProtecting Your Legacy: Why Secure Document Storage is Essential
Protecting Your Legacy: Why Secure Document Storage is Essential The Risks of Storing Documents at Home Storing important documents at home can be risky. Original wills and LPAs are crucial for estate administration. Without them, managing a deceased person’s estate becomes challenging. Moreover, banks and organisations require original LPAs for personal meetings. Unfortunately, home storage…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Post-Death Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to Probate and Planning Ahead
What Happens After Someone Passes Away? A Guide to the Post-Death Process Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. On top of the emotional toll, there’s often a long list of practical tasks to manage. Understanding the post-death process can make things a little easier during this difficult time. 🌟 At…
Read MoreDivorced or Separated? Why Updating Your Will and Beneficiaries Is Crucial in England and Wales
Life is full of changes – some planned, some unexpected. If you’ve recently gone through a divorce or separation, you’ve probably had a lot on your plate. But amidst all the paperwork and adjustments, have you remembered to update your beneficiaries? 🤔 Shockingly, 1 in 10 divorced individuals forget to remove their ex-spouse as a…
Read More🐾 Don’t Forget Your Furry Family Members! 🐾
🐾 Don’t Forget Your Furry Family Members! 🐾 As a nation of animal lovers, it’s crucial to consider our beloved pets when planning our estates. While pets aren’t legally considered sentient beings, they are regarded as property. Therefore, it’s essential to include them in your will to ensure they receive the love and care they…
Read MoreEnsuring Your Children’s Future: The Importance of Choosing the Right Guardians
Introduction Imagine the unthinkable: your children losing their parents and facing the uncertainty of who will care for them. While foster carers are dedicated and kind, the transition can be traumatic for children already dealing with loss. Without a legally nominated guardian, children might temporarily enter foster care, as social services need to thoroughly vet…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Value of Your Estate: A Guide to Effective Planning
Introduction Understanding the value of your estate is crucial for effective planning. By knowing what your estate is worth, you can make informed decisions about your financial future. This guide will teach you how to assess your assets and liabilities, giving you a clear picture of your estate’s worth. What is an Estate? An estate…
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