Step-families are the fasting growing type of family in the UK, making up 10 per cent of all families with dependent children. It has been estimated that there are now more reconstructed families than nuclear families and men are becoming increasingly likely to be living with other men’s children whilst their own grow up else where1. Due to the fact that the majority of children stay with their mother following a divorce or separation, most stepfamilies have a stepfather as opposed to a stepmother.

People who enjoy making their Will are few and far between and are generally to be found only in novels, usually crime mysteries. Nonetheless, most of us know that making a Will, and then keeping it up to date, will bring us peace of mind. We also feel that we owe it to those who matter to us.

It is easy to be tempted not to get round to it quite yet: it can wait until I am less busy at work/marry/have children/retire.

The next move may be to rationalise that delay, but our ‘reasons’ never stand up to analysis: a stop-gap, up to date, Will is infinitely better than not having a Will, or having one that is out of date. Here is a sample of some of the commonest ‘reasons’ for delay.

A transfer of equity is the term used to describe the transfer of ownership of a house (or flat) where one or more of the owners remains an owner. For example:

Mr and Mrs A own the property, which is to be transferred into the name of one or other of them – either alone or jointly with a third person

Mr A owns the property, and wants to add Ms B to the title

A will is a legal document in which a person known as a testator directs how his assets are to be disposed of after the death. Sometimes it is not possible to distribute the estate according to a testator’s wishes because of flaws in the will. The will can then be said to have failed. Wills can fail in two kinds of situation. One is where the will itself is not valid. If a will is not valid there is in effect no will. The other is where the will is valid, but fails because it does not bring into effect the wishes of the testator.

Invalid wills
One situation in which a will is invalid is where it was not executed in accordance with the requirements of section 9 of the Wills
Act 1833, which sets out the formalities for the execution of wills. Briefly, these are as follows:

• the will must be in writing
• it must be signed by the testator or by another person on the testator’s behalf and by his direction
• the testator’s signature must be made in the physical and mental presence of two witnesses who are present at the same time.

In Sikhism a funeral ceremony is called “Antam Sanskaar,” or celebration of the completion of life. Rather than lamenting the passing of an individual, Sikhism teaches resignation to the will of the creator, emphasizing that death is a natural process, and an opportunity for reunion of the soul with its maker.

The Final Moments of Life in Sikhism

In the final moments of life, and at the time of passing, the Sikh family encourages their ailing loved one to focus on the divine by reciting “Waheguru,” or suitable passages of scripture from the Guru Granth Sahib. In many cases, Kirtan Sohila is recited either in the last moments or just after the person has passed away. In Sikhism, after a death occurs, funeral arrangements are made by the family which includes conducting a Sidharan Paath, or a complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Sidharan paath is carried out over a period of ten days following the funeral ceremony after which formal mourning concludes.

Christians believe that when someone dies, they are judged by God. The righteous go to Heaven and the sinners go to Hell.

When a Christian dies, it is seen as the end of his/her life on earth. A funeral is held for friends and family to grieve for the person who has died and give thanks for their life.

If someone is on their deathbed, a minister will prepare them for death. This is most likely after a long period of illness. Prayers of preparation and reconciliation may be said, with only the minister in the room. Family and friends can participate in the Lord’s Prayer, the Word of God and Holy Communion.

What is Shari’ah law?

Shari’ah law is the law of the Islamic religion. Shari’ah governs many aspects of Muslim people’s lives. It is applied in many different countries, sometimes as the main source of law of a country and, other times, as a complementary legal code to the civil law system. Shari’ah law may also be considered as a guide to how Muslims should live their life and organise their dealings.

What is wills and probate law?

A will is the final testament a person writes before they die, which specifies how they wish their property and assets to be divided after their death. Probate refers to a grant that confirms the validity of the will and authorises the executor named in the will to administer the deceased person’s estate.

What is the future of your digital self?

You might not know what happens when you die but you can control what happens online! You are filling the internet with status updates, image and video creating new digital dilemmas such as:

Whether you want to live forever online?
How to protect your privacy after death?
How to maintain your digital legacy?
Who to appoint as your digital executor?
Whether You Would Want to Be Digitally Resurrected

Stars often make the same big mistakes as people with very modest assets. Learn from their goofs and avoid repeating them yourself. That way, you’ll protect your loved ones and be sure your inheritance wishes are carried out.

These are the top four estate-planning mistakes made by celebs — errors you’ll want to avoid: