Ed Ryder

Ever lengthening waiting times for probate applications to be approved are generating additional burdens for executors, particularly those sorting out issues without professional support. For example, waiting times in respect of more complex...

You may have seen the recent news that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Will is to remain secret for at least 90 years in order to protect the “dignity and standing” of the Queen. Apart from possibly igniting immense curiosity as to how Prince...

Hopefully the vaccine rollmout means the threat of Covid-19 will recede as we move further into 2021. However, media stories over the past year, and possibly personal experiences, will have underlined the important and beneficial role of having your affairs...

The number of wills that are challenged and contested has risen steadily in recent years and, in a large number of cases, badly drafted do-it-yourself wills are the root cause of the problems that arise. Even seemingly straightforward instructions in a...

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone of your choice to look after your affairs if you lack the capacity to do so. Medical, care and financial institutions have all tightened up their procedures in recent years and often require evidence...

A common assumption is that the law automatically ensures someone’s property and money passes, upon their death, to their ‘nearest and dearest’. There are legal rules in place to deal with situations where no will exists, known as the...

None of us like to think about our eventual demise or about the practicalities if we become dependent on the care of others; that is perfectly understandable. However, as a solicitor who has advised many local individuals, couples and families, I can say...

Currently you need to sign your Will in the presence of two independent witnesses. Obviously the pandemic has made it more difficult for people to comply with this and, as a result, there has been quite a lot of discussion amongst lawyers about...

The Courts Service recently reported that probate applications have dropped by 50% during the current lockdown. Consequently there is concern that there will be a large upsurge in applications as lockdown starts to ease. This will almost inevitably...

This is one of a series of blogs answering questions people have raised with us about practical issues in relation to the Covid-19 lockdown. Yes, it is perfectly possible to make or change your Will during the lockdown. It is all about putting practical...

Partnerships are still by far the most popular business structure for farming businesses. Across North and East Yorkshire there are four times more farms operating as partnerships or sole traders than are incorporated as limited companies. However, as...

There are many misconceptions about trusts – about who typically uses them and about their intended purpose. Many think trusts are primarily about saving tax and only for the seriously wealthy. In fact, there is a long history of trusts being used in...

We have expanded our Private Client Department with the appointment of a new partner. Philip Nelson (pictured left with Head of Department Ed Ryder) lives near York and joins from specialist national private client law firm, Wrigleys, Leeds....

More and more people are familiar with the idea of Lasting Powers of Attorney – a document that appoints attorneys to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself in the future because of mental or physical incapacity. Often these...

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can have immediate effect if you specifically want this to be the case but otherwise, no - making an LPA will not mean you lose control over your affairs straight away. LPAs allow you to choose and appoint one or more...