Losing a loved one is always difficult, and dealing with legal and financial matters at the same time can feel overwhelming. But what happens if someone dies and they didn’t have a will? Understanding what happens next can help families feel more prepared and avoid unnecessary disputes or delays.

If you have concerns about a loved one's last will and testament, you might consider legally challenging the will. This is usually done because there is evidence that the will has been forged, that the deceased lacked mental capacity to make decisions about their estate, or that the person making the will was subject to undue influence when writing the document. It's not enough to challenge a will because you disagree with the decisions that have been made - there are specific legal grounds for contesting a will. 

Losing a loved one is never easy. During this time the feeling of grief can be overwhelming, but there are important legal steps that must be taken. Here's our guide to help you understand both the emotional and practical tasks when you lose someone.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities encourages us to recognise the rights, experiences and needs of disabled people. For families who care for someone with a lifelong disability it’s often a worry how they will cope if you’re not there to protect them. Carers spend so much of their time worrying about the things they need to do for their loved one they forget about what they need to do for themselves.

If an individual loses the capacity to make their own decisions, someone else may need to step in to manage their affairs. Two of the most common roles in these situations are a deputy and an attorney. While they can have similar responsibilities, the way they are appointed and the powers they have are different.

Liam Payne, former One Direction star passed away last year, leaving an estate worth more than £24 million – but no will.

With upcoming changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on the horizon, failing to review your estate planning now could mean that your beneficiaries receive far less than you intended.

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against financial abuse is by setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney.