MGF Legal Services

28/08/2026

What happens if I don’t make a Will?

Below is what can happen if there is no Will in place. This is a real case, but the names have been changed.

Married Couple with kids and no Will:

Amy’s husband Ben dies overnight from a brain aneurism. They have two young children.

Their home was owned as joint tenants with a mortgage of £480K.

Ben had cash/ISAs worth approximately £100K & had taken out life insurance of £500K but not written it in trust.

Amy inherits the home automatically as the joint owner, but she is only entitled to the first £322K + half of Ben’s personal estate of £600K.

The rest is held in trust for the children until they reach 18 and can’t be used to clear the mortgage as intended.

Read more here:
https://mgflegal.co.uk/wills/

26/08/2026

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial planning that helps you ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. While creating a will is an essential first step in the estate planning process, it's equally important to review and update your will regularly to reflect changes in your life circumstances, financial situation, and estate planning goals. In this blog, we'll explore when and why you should review and update your will and estate plan regularly to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and effective.
Read more:
https://mgflegal.co.uk/updating-your-will-when-and-why-you-should-review-your-estate-plan-regularly/

24/08/2026

Bought a house? Had a baby? Got married or divorced? Looking for peace of mind?
These are all good reasons why you should make a Will or update your existing one. None of us know what is around the corner.
Having a valid Will in place protects your loved ones from unnecessary uncertainty, financial hardship and stress at what is already an extremely difficult time.

For a stress-free estate planning experience, book a free consultation here: https://mgflegal.co.uk/booking-form/

You can also visit www.mgflegal.co.uk to find out more and to read my 5 star reviews.

21/08/2026

Could your pension form part of your estate for Inheritance Tax?

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits are expected to count towards the estate when Inheritance Tax is assessed.

This means pensions may need to be considered alongside your property, savings, investments and other assets. For some families, this could affect the amount of Inheritance Tax payable and how assets are passed to loved ones.

It is also a reminder that pensions, beneficiary nominations, your Will and wider estate planning should work together as far as possible. A Will alone may not control what happens to every pension benefit, so it is important to look at your overall arrangements.

The rules can be complex, and exceptions may apply. This post is general information only, not personal financial or legal advice. If you have pension savings or a more complex estate, consider reviewing your circumstances with an appropriately qualified financial adviser and estate planning professional.

A little forward planning now could help provide greater clarity and peace of mind for your family later.

If you would like to discuss reviewing your estate planning arrangements, please contact MGF Legal Services for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.

20/08/2026

There is no legal reason why you cannot write your own Will – provided it is signed and witnessed correctly it would be a legally valid document. However, unless you are legally qualified it is not generally recommended. If you use any sort of technical language you are deemed to have understood the terminology used so unless your Estate is very straightforward and you do not own a property or have minor children it is best to seek the advice of a professional. If you draft your own Will any errors would not come to light until after your death at which time it would be too late to sort things out. Home-made or badly drafted Wills can be just as bad, and sometimes worse, than no Will at all.

Book your FREE consultation and gain peace of mind today!

18/08/2026

Thank you for trusting us with such important matters. We love receiving feedback like this.

14/08/2026

What is the difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and deputyship?

Both can give someone authority to make decisions on another person’s behalf, but they are arranged in different ways.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is made in advance, while a person has mental capacity. They choose trusted attorneys to help with decisions about property and finances, health and welfare, or both. The LPA must be registered before it can be used.

Deputyship may be needed if someone loses mental capacity without the appropriate authority in place. In this situation, an application can be made to the Court of Protection for a deputy to be appointed. The process is more formal and may take time, with ongoing responsibilities for the deputy.

Planning ahead is often preferable because it gives you the opportunity to consider your wishes and choose who you would like to support you. However, the right arrangements depend on each person’s circumstances, and an LPA is not suitable for everyone.

If you are unsure about the options, taking advice early can help you understand what may be appropriate for your situation.

If you’d like to discuss getting your plan in place early, please contact MGF Legal Services for friendly, tailored advice.

12/08/2026

11/08/2026

Writing a will is often something people prefer to avoid. However, having one is a crucial aspect of estate planning that ensures your wishes are respected, your loved ones are provided for.

We can help you with writing your will and estate planning. Book a free consultation here:
https://mgflegal.co.uk/booking-form/

07/08/2026

What happens to your property when you die may depend on how it is owned.

If you own your property as joint tenants, it will usually pass automatically to the surviving owner, regardless of what your Will says.

If you own it as tenants in common, your share can pass according to your Will, giving you more control over who inherits it.

Understanding the difference can help you avoid unintended outcomes and plan with confidence.

Read our blog for a clear explanation of property ownership, Wills, trusts, mortgages and inheritance tax:
https://mgflegal.co.uk/what-happens-to-your-property-when-you-die/