LEGAL

Do you want to be on TV?

Not X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Master Chef or any of the other “instant celebrity” shows. In our example, you definitely don’t want to be the subject of a TV programme because we’re talking about Wills and Estates as featured on programmes such as Heir Hunters which track down the heirs/beneficiaries of a deceased person (for a fee) so they can claim the estate (inheritance).

There’s nothing wrong with this business model but it could all be avoided if a Will was registered.

Do you have to register a Will? Nine million+ people in the UK have their Wills registered with the National Will Register. It’s quick and easy to register, and the solicitor who drew up your Will can do it on your behalf if you prefer. The benefits of registering a Will in the UK The executor (responsible for implementing the Will) may be unaware of the document’s location and if they can’t locate it, your estate will be dissolved according to the law of intestacy, which may not distribute your assets how you wanted. An individual could conceal the existence of a Will because it’s in their interests for your estate to be dissolved according to the terms of a previous Will, or for the UK law of intestacy to be applied. Registering your Will makes it easier for the executor to locate it and so ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. How do you search for a Will in the UK? The National Will Register is an invaluable aid to finding a Will in the UK - it will alert the solicitor who is storing it that you are looking for it: they can then get in touch and, once you have provided the necessary documentation, release it.

What other steps can I take to ensure that my Will is found after my death? It’s preferable for there to be no need for a search at all. Wilson Browne offers a free Will storage service to clients whose Will we have drafted.

>> To find out more about how we can offer peace of mind to you and your family, please call us on 0800 088 6004 or complete our online contact form at: www.wilsonbrowne. co.uk/contact

Unit 5 Darwin House, Corby Gate Business Park, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5JG

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Dr. Diana Rose Partner and family law expert

NORTHAMPTON 29 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5DQ 01604 622101

KETTERING 18 Brooklands Court Kettering Venture Park Kettering NN15 6FD 01536 523434 bmtclaw.co.uk

Could my marriage be invalid?

Sadly, there are people who have believed that they were legally married, only to discover years later, their marriage was invalid. This often only comes to light when a relationship ends or when one party dies. Diana Rose family law expert at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston says ‘This can be a terrible shock when, as well as grieving, you find yourself embroiled in a legal argument over the validity of your marriage.’

What makes a marriage valid in England and Wales? A legally valid marriage must generally take place in a registered building. Those who wish to marry in a venue that has not been registered for marriage, must go through an additional civil ceremony in a registry office or an approved venue. Marriages which take place overseas, will be recognised in the UK in specified circumstances.

When is a marriage invalid? In law, a marriage may be invalid if it is a void or voidable. The difference being that a void marriage can never be valid, but a voidable marriage can be.

When is a marriage void? A void marriage is where the parties do not have legal capacity to marry each other. This could be because: • one or both of the couple is under 16 • they are already married or in a civil partnership

When is a marriage voidable? There are a number of situations in which a marriage can be ‘voidable’, including: • if one person did not consent to the marriage, possibly due to unsound mind or duress • if the marriage ceremony is not valid, possibly due to the marriage occurring in a building not registered for marriages

What types of marriage have been found to be invalid? The circumstances behind invalid marriages vary significantly. From people who are committing bigamy (either knowingly, or believing their divorce was finalised), to those who have been married abroad without adhering to necessary formalities. Famously, Mike Jagger successfully claimed his marriage to Jerry Hall was invalid as it occurred on a beach in Bali, and under Balinese law the marriage had to be a Muslim marriage to be valid.

Can I get confirmation my marriage is invalid? There is an option of seeking confirmation that the marriage is invalid by way of a petition for nullity. A petition for nullity is dealt with in much the same way as a divorce petition and if granted, you will be entitled to seek the same financial relief as you would have done had the marriage been valid. The petition date usually needs to be within three years. If you are outside of this time, then speak to one of our Solicitors, who can advise on seeking permission to issue a late petition.

What happens if the marriage is not valid and I do not get a decree of nullity? In these situations, you will be treated as a cohabitant under the law of England and Wales. As cohabitants, you will have no automatic rights to maintenance or an equal division of assets. Being treated as a cohabitant significantly reduces the rights and financial remedies available to you. You may have to bring a claim in a civil court to seek rights over the property you both live in. It is important that you seek legal advice on your ability to obtain a decree of nullity.

If your former partner is now deceased, you may have to formulate a claim under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975. These types of claims are dealt with in the High Court and can be both timely and costly. It is best to seek advice, as soon possible as this is an area that benefits from early intervention and mediation.

For further information, please contact Diana Rose in the family law team on 01536 523434 or email diana.rose@bmtclaw.co.uk www.bmtclaw.co.uk

Glass or tile conservatory roof: Which is best for your home?

Conservatories are now the most popular way for homeowners to extend their home. Available in a wide range of styles, sizes and configurations, choosing which option is best for you and your home can be a daunting task. Whether you’re on the market for a brand new conservatory or you’re looking to improve an existing glazed extension T&K Home Improvements offer a short comparison on two different products that may help define your search for the perfect option.

The Benefits of Glass Conservatory Roofs Glass conservatory roofs can offer your home stunning levels of light transmission thanks to their slim sightlines. You can enjoy unobstructed views to the exterior of your home as well as enjoy the stunning modern profile of our roof designs.

They can be a fantastic addition to both modern and heritage properties, as they can create a sense of grandeur and modernism without compromising on the existing character of your home. Fully customisable, glass conservatory roofs come with a host of glazing options to meet any design preference and can increase the performance of your home. There are options for self-cleaning glazing and glazing that provides better thermal insulation to your home and keeps the hot sun out in the summer. With energy prices rising, now is the perfect time to invest in energy efficient home improvement solutions. With modern glazing options and proper inbuilt ventilation systems, the glass conservatory roofs of today can provide you with year-round thermal regulation. Gone are the conservatories of old which became oven hot in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. How Do Tiled Conservatory Roofs Compare? Tiled roofs are ideal for those who want their extension to emulate the existing style of their property. Many traditional roofing styles used in homes can be mirrored in an conservatory roof with extensive colour options and interiors you can create a sense that this is a natural extension of your home.

Tiled roofs give added privacy and boast excellent thermal efficiency in much the same way as their glass counterparts. Tiled conservatory roofs offer U-values as low as 0.13W/m2K helping you save on your energy bill and keep your home a comfortable temperature all year round.

>> T&K Home Improvements is a family run business that provides quality windows, doors and conservatories since 1979 in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. To find out more on high performance energy efficient glazing options and how much you can save visit www.tkhi.co.uk.

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