Latest news with #probate
Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Times
I did everything NS&I asked, but it won't release my brother's Premium Bonds
In January my brother died while he was living in the US. I was very close to him and often turned to him for support, so his death has left a hole in my life. My brother held £1,313 worth of Premium Bonds, which had been given to him by our parents a long time ago. As he had been living in the US for many years, his National Savings & Investments (NS&I) account was registered to my address in London. NS&I has a page on its website explaining how to claim Premium Bonds after a customer's death, so I followed its instructions The website also said that a grant of probate was not normally required if the savings were worth less than £5,000. NS&I wrote to me in February asking for written authority from the executor of the estate to cash the Premium Bonds and pay them to me. My brother's long-term friend in the US is the executor, so he sent me the letter which I then forwarded to NS&I a few days later. Then in March it asked to see an original or certified copy of his death certificate and will. I explained that those documents were needed in the US to settle his estate and that getting them certified and delivered to the UK would be both costly and time consuming. Considering the amount of money involved, I asked if it could accept scanned documents instead, but it said it wasn't able to change its requirements. I then decided to wait until May when the executor would be visiting the UK armed with the documents. He supplied certified copies which I enclosed in a letter to NS&I. It then returned the certified death certificate and will in case we needed them. I then had another letter a week later saying that it couldn't accept the documents and could not proceed. It asked for certified true copies, which was ridiculous because these had already been sent and returned. As you can imagine this is beyond frustrating at a distressing time. Teresa, London Katherine Denham writes I was very sorry to hear about your brother and the profound impact his death has had on your life. You hoped that claiming his Premium Bonds would be simple, and didn't understand why NS&I wasn't happy with the documents you had sent. NS&I told me that you had sent a photocopy of the certified will rather than the certified copy itself, which it could not accept. You disputed this and said you had sent a certified copy which it had asked for. You showed me a photo of the document which I could see had been signed and dated by a solicitor in the US, who confirmed that it was a 'true and complete copy of the original'. You also pointed out that if the will had merely been a photocopy then it seemed strange of NS&I to go to the trouble of sending it back. NS&I then made matters even more confusing by asking you to send another certified copy of the death certificate, even though it had already seen this. It said a member of staff had sent that letter in error. By this point you had supplied multiple documents, including a letter from the executor, the bond certificates and death certificate, and in my opinion this should have been enough for NS&I to release the money, so I nudged it to speed things up. It then processed your request without needing any more paperwork. This was a really disappointing example of a bank making life unnecessarily difficult for grieving relatives. NS&I said: 'We have investigated Teresa's claim concerning the management of her late brother's Premium Bonds. While the overseas nature of the claim made it more complex, we appreciate that we could have handled it with more sensitivity and clarity, for which we apologise. This included an incorrect request for information that had already been supplied.' The money is now in your bank account and NS&I also paid you £125 compensation for the distress and inconvenience. You said: 'I still feel without your support I would still be trying to sort this out, so thank you again. You have helped me get some peace of mind.' • The reality of financial admin after someone dies Eight months and 50 emails about faulty fridge: Marks Electrical is giving us the cold shoulder In September I bought a fridge from Marks Electrical for £419. It was delivered as promised, although for some reason Marks charged me two delivery fees. After the fridge had been delivered, we noticed that the plastic at the top of the inside had melted, the light hangs down and the wires are visible. While the fridge works, we have not properly integrated it into the kitchen yet because we want it to be fixed or replaced. I immediately called Marks customer service to report the issue but it took more than an hour to get to the front of the queue before I was cut off. I rang again and the queue was even longer this time so I decided to email instead. While it eventually refunded the duplicate delivery fee, I have struggled to get it to sort out the issue with the faulty fridge. I have sent more than 50 emails to the company over the past eight months. It keeps saying it is looking into it, but that it's struggling to get a response from the manufacturer. At one point it told me I should ring the manufacturer directly. I then posted a bad review on TrustPilot and had a phone call from someone who said she would get back to me within seven days. That was a month ago and I haven't had a reply. I feel like Marks is now just ignoring me and unless you have two hours to spare, it's impossible to speak to anyone on the phone. I think the company hopes that I will give up. Diana, Wolverhampton Katherine Denham writes Your contract is with Marks so it was unreasonable of it to pass the buck by telling you to contact the manufacturer yourself. Marks said your order had been placed around the time that it moved to a new IT system, which is why your issue wasn't resolved sooner. Considering you had spent so many months chasing the company, this was a poor excuse and it should have got to the bottom of this a long time ago. After I stepped in, it arranged to collect the faulty fridge and replace it with a more expensive one from a different manufacturer at no extra cost to you. Marks Electrical said: 'We have taken on board that, on this occasion, the time frame and level of service fell short of our usual high standards. We once again sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.' You said: 'I was getting so annoyed by this situation, so many thanks for your intervention. I doubt I would have got this far without your assistance.'
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Long Island Estate Planning Lawyer Seth Schlessel Breaks Down Trusts and Estates in New York
Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel ( ) offers valuable insights into a crucial legal choice many New Yorkers face: deciding between a trust and an estate plan. In the latest article published by Schlessel Law PLLC, titled 'Trust vs. Estate in New York: Side by Side Comparison', Schlessel outlines the distinct paths individuals can take to manage the transfer of their assets, both during their lifetime and after death. Understanding the differences between these two legal structures is essential for anyone navigating estate planning in New York. Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel explains how a trust allows for asset management both while a person is alive and after their passing, whereas an estate through a will only becomes effective upon death. The decision between a trust and a will can greatly affect privacy, control, and the timeline of asset distribution. One of the main distinctions discussed by Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel is how each tool handles probate. A will typically leads to a probate process, a court-supervised procedure that validates the will and oversees asset distribution. In contrast, assets placed in a trust can bypass probate entirely, resulting in faster, more private, and often less expensive administration. This aspect of planning is particularly relevant in New York, where court delays and procedural requirements can extend the probate timeline. Trusts and estates serve different legal functions, and each comes with its own benefits. Trusts can operate while a person is still alive and can manage assets in cases of incapacity. They offer greater flexibility, allowing the grantor to set terms such as staggered distributions to beneficiaries or conditional gifts. On the other hand, only a will can be used to appoint guardians for minor children, making it essential for young families. According to Seth Schlessel, 'The best approach is always the one tailored to your specific circumstances.' The article further outlines the types of trusts recognized in New York, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and testamentary trusts. Each serves a different purpose depending on the goals of the person creating the trust. For example, irrevocable trusts may be used for Medicaid planning or asset protection, while revocable living trusts are often chosen for flexibility and ease of management. New York also provides for various estate structures, such as testate estates (when a valid will exists), intestate estates (when there is no will), and small estates eligible for voluntary administration. Each has specific procedural implications, especially in terms of court involvement and the value of the estate. Seth Schlessel highlights how probate, the legal process for administering a will-based estate, can take several months to over a year. It involves court filings, asset inventories, debt settlements, and final distributions, all under judicial supervision. While probate offers oversight, it also opens up financial details to public record and may lead to delays. In contrast, trust administration often begins immediately upon death or incapacity, without court intervention, and is conducted privately by the designated trustee. The article explains that while executors and trustees are both fiduciaries with significant responsibilities, their roles differ in scope and duration. Executors manage the estate through probate until the estate is settled, whereas trustees may serve for years or even decades, depending on the terms of the trust. Choosing between a will-based plan and a trust-centered plan depends on individual goals. Trusts are particularly suitable for those seeking privacy, avoiding multiple probate proceedings, or setting conditions on inheritance. They are also valuable for those with high-value estates, long-term care planning needs, or unique family circumstances such as blended families or special needs beneficiaries. For individuals with more straightforward financial situations, a will-based estate plan may be adequate. This is especially true for those with smaller estates or younger adults without significant assets. However, even in these cases, Schlessel advises including durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies to account for potential incapacity. Estate planning is not just about documents, it's about making thoughtful choices that reflect one's wishes and protect loved ones. Seth Schlessel makes it clear that whether the right path involves a trust, a will, or a combination of both, careful planning and legal clarity can significantly ease the burden on heirs and ensure smoother asset transitions. Anyone looking to understand their estate planning options in New York will find this comparison of trusts and estates a valuable guide. Seth Schlessel and Schlessel Law PLLC aim to help Long Island residents create effective legal strategies tailored to their life circumstances. For those considering their future plans, the article emphasizes the importance of making informed choices. The differences between a trust and an estate are more than technical—they directly affect family harmony, asset protection, and long-term security. Beginning the process early with guidance from a Long Island estate planning lawyer like Seth Schlessel can help avoid unnecessary complications and delays later. About Schlessel Law PLLC: Schlessel Law PLLC serves individuals and families across Long Island, offering guidance in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and related legal matters. Led by Seth Schlessel, the firm is committed to helping clients understand their options and build estate plans that reflect their personal goals and values. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: [email protected] Website: Media Contact Company Name: Schlessel Law PLLC Contact Person: Seth Schlessel Email: Send Email Phone: (516) 574-9630 Address:34 Willis Ave Suite 300 City: Mineola State: New York 11501 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Long Island Estate Planning Lawyer Seth Schlessel Breaks Down Trusts and Estates in New York
Globe and Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Long Island Estate Planning Lawyer Seth Schlessel Breaks Down Trusts and Estates in New York
Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel ( offers valuable insights into a crucial legal choice many New Yorkers face: deciding between a trust and an estate plan. In the latest article published by Schlessel Law PLLC, titled 'Trust vs. Estate in New York: Side by Side Comparison', Schlessel outlines the distinct paths individuals can take to manage the transfer of their assets, both during their lifetime and after death. Understanding the differences between these two legal structures is essential for anyone navigating estate planning in New York. Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel explains how a trust allows for asset management both while a person is alive and after their passing, whereas an estate through a will only becomes effective upon death. The decision between a trust and a will can greatly affect privacy, control, and the timeline of asset distribution. One of the main distinctions discussed by Long Island estate planning lawyer Seth Schlessel is how each tool handles probate. A will typically leads to a probate process, a court-supervised procedure that validates the will and oversees asset distribution. In contrast, assets placed in a trust can bypass probate entirely, resulting in faster, more private, and often less expensive administration. This aspect of planning is particularly relevant in New York, where court delays and procedural requirements can extend the probate timeline. Trusts and estates serve different legal functions, and each comes with its own benefits. Trusts can operate while a person is still alive and can manage assets in cases of incapacity. They offer greater flexibility, allowing the grantor to set terms such as staggered distributions to beneficiaries or conditional gifts. On the other hand, only a will can be used to appoint guardians for minor children, making it essential for young families. According to Seth Schlessel, 'The best approach is always the one tailored to your specific circumstances.' The article further outlines the types of trusts recognized in New York, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and testamentary trusts. Each serves a different purpose depending on the goals of the person creating the trust. For example, irrevocable trusts may be used for Medicaid planning or asset protection, while revocable living trusts are often chosen for flexibility and ease of management. New York also provides for various estate structures, such as testate estates (when a valid will exists), intestate estates (when there is no will), and small estates eligible for voluntary administration. Each has specific procedural implications, especially in terms of court involvement and the value of the estate. Seth Schlessel highlights how probate, the legal process for administering a will-based estate, can take several months to over a year. It involves court filings, asset inventories, debt settlements, and final distributions, all under judicial supervision. While probate offers oversight, it also opens up financial details to public record and may lead to delays. In contrast, trust administration often begins immediately upon death or incapacity, without court intervention, and is conducted privately by the designated trustee. The article explains that while executors and trustees are both fiduciaries with significant responsibilities, their roles differ in scope and duration. Executors manage the estate through probate until the estate is settled, whereas trustees may serve for years or even decades, depending on the terms of the trust. Choosing between a will-based plan and a trust-centered plan depends on individual goals. Trusts are particularly suitable for those seeking privacy, avoiding multiple probate proceedings, or setting conditions on inheritance. They are also valuable for those with high-value estates, long-term care planning needs, or unique family circumstances such as blended families or special needs beneficiaries. For individuals with more straightforward financial situations, a will-based estate plan may be adequate. This is especially true for those with smaller estates or younger adults without significant assets. However, even in these cases, Schlessel advises including durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies to account for potential incapacity. Estate planning is not just about documents, it's about making thoughtful choices that reflect one's wishes and protect loved ones. Seth Schlessel makes it clear that whether the right path involves a trust, a will, or a combination of both, careful planning and legal clarity can significantly ease the burden on heirs and ensure smoother asset transitions. Anyone looking to understand their estate planning options in New York will find this comparison of trusts and estates a valuable guide. Seth Schlessel and Schlessel Law PLLC aim to help Long Island residents create effective legal strategies tailored to their life circumstances. For those considering their future plans, the article emphasizes the importance of making informed choices. The differences between a trust and an estate are more than technical—they directly affect family harmony, asset protection, and long-term security. Beginning the process early with guidance from a Long Island estate planning lawyer like Seth Schlessel can help avoid unnecessary complications and delays later. About Schlessel Law PLLC: Schlessel Law PLLC serves individuals and families across Long Island, offering guidance in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and related legal matters. Led by Seth Schlessel, the firm is committed to helping clients understand their options and build estate plans that reflect their personal goals and values. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: seth@ Website: Media Contact Company Name: Schlessel Law PLLC Contact Person: Seth Schlessel Email: Send Email Phone: (516) 574-9630 Address: 34 Willis Ave Suite 300 City: Mineola State: New York 11501 Country: United States Website:
Irish Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Aircraft leasing executive Paul Barton left €17.5m estate
Aircraft leasing executive Paul Barton left an estate valued at €17.5 million when he died last September, according to documents published by the Probate Office this week. Mr Barton, of Waltham Terrace, Blackrock, Co Dublin, was managing director of GE Capital Aviation Services , the world's largest commercial leasing and financing company by number of aircraft, before a €25 billion deal with rival AerCap saw the world's two biggest aviation leasing companies join forces in 2021. Mr Barton, who was a founding director of Avolon , another major aircraft leasing company, began his career with Tony Ryan's Guinness Peat Aviation in 1985. In other grants of probate published last week, Josephine Buckley, of Annakisha, Mallow, Co Cork, who died on March 17th, 2022, left an estate valued at €5.9 million. READ MORE Jeremiah Anthony Roynane, of Lavally, Mallow, Co Cork, left an estate valued at €4,281,419 when he died in November 2023. Julian Deale, of Monkstown Road, Dublin, left an estate valued at €2.212 million when he died on May 16th, 2024. [ Wills and spouses: Why you cannot just cut a wife out of your will Opens in new window ] Bridie Brady, of Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin, left an estate valued at €2.185 million when she died on May 20th, 2024. Paul Kennedy, of Cartown House, Kildimo, Co Limerick, who died on November 2nd last, left an estate valued at €1.89 million. The figures mentioned here include all assets, which would typically include a home or farm and are not intended to represent cash in the bank.
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
10 Estate Planning Tasks Everyone Must Do Before Dying
It's never fun to think about death, especially your own, but estate planning is extremely important. It's unpleasant but by planning ahead and getting your affairs in order, it makes it much easier for your loved ones to move on. The worst thing you can do is avoid it completely. Having no plan means you default to how your state handles probate, which means the judicial process makes decisions for you. Here are the ten estate planning tasks you need to perform before you die: This is the cornerstone of every estate plan. By creating a will, you ensure your assets go where you want them to. It also names guardians for any minor children you have and takes away any legal confusion because it codifies your wishes. Without a will, state laws will take over and the state will decide what happens. You do not need to hire an expensive attorney to draft a will, you can do it yourself with inexpensive online will services or download software. The most important thing is to get one done as soon as you have assets. A living trust gives you the opportunity to transfer assets to others without going through court. You can keep control of the trust while you're still alive and upon your death, the assets go to the beneficiaries. This is very useful for complex estates because it speeds up the process. Unlike a will, which you can do with software, you will want to work with an attorney to set up a trust. There may come a time when you will not be able to make decisions for yourself and that's when a power of attorney becomes important. You could be incapacitated or unable to act on your own but still need someone to make important decisions for you. This person will be able to do things on your behalf so you want to choose someone who is both trustworthy and responsible and, of course, willing to do so. Also, you can have multiple powers of attorney, which can be useful for breaking up responsibilities. This is separate from a regular power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney is a specific role that gives them the right to make medical decisions on your behalf. You want this person to know your wishes with respect to treatment, life support, and quality of life. An ICE binder is an 'In Case of Emergency' binder that captures all of your important information in case something happens to you. This includes all the estate planning documents but could also be letter and notes to individuals that may not fit with other legal documents. The idea is that you want some documents that will explain your wishes even if they are not legally binding. It can help your loved ones navigate your life in ways that exceed that of a will. This is a more modern concern but what do you want to happen to your digital assets such as social media accounts, email, and others. These are often paid services so you'll want a plan in place or risk the default result - deletion due to nonpayment of the subscription. You'll want a list of all your accounts, perhaps as part of your ICE binder, as well as a way to access them and what you wish to happen to them. Also ask your best friend to clear your browser history! As we live longer, long term care becomes a greater concern and you'll want to plan for it. If you don't, you may be saddling your family with a very difficult decision when it comes to paying for it. Loong into long term care insurance, Medicaid planning, or putting aside a big chunk to pay for it. You can add these instructions to your estate plans or lean into insurance policies that offer it. Burial or cremation? That's a challenging question that most people don't discuss or include in their estate plan. Even if you don't have a preference, set one because it will make the lives of your loved ones so much easier. I've been to too many funerals where people said they did not know what the decedent wishes so they were forced to choose. Make sure you talk to your family about your wishes in addition to codifying them in your estate plan. The plan will establish what will happen but it's important to talk to your family about it so they understand your reasoning and thinking on various decisions you've made. You don't have to cover every nitty gritty detail but communication is very important. Finally, make sure you review and update your plans on a regular basis. Be sure to do so after any major changes but also annually just to double check everything is in order. The plan is only as good as as it is up to date.
