What happens to my money if I die without making a Will?

Every year thousands of people die without making a Will, perhaps thinking that their home and their money will simply pass to their partner or children.  However, the legal position is not that straightforward – if someone dies without a Will, there are rules setting out how their money, property and possessions should be divided.  In many cases this won’t be what the person who has died would have chosen. Here are some examples of how the rules apply: Example 1 – married or in a civil partnership Although you might think that everything will pass to your spouse or civil partner, this may not be the case depending on the value of your estate.  Example 2 – separated If you have informally separated but not divorced or legally ended your civil partnership, your…

Best wishes for Christmas & New Year!

Everyone at Ware & Kay would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ware & Kay staff have become Dementia Friends

Ware & Kay has supported training of over 20 members of its York Office staff to become Dementia Friends, in support of an Alzheimer's Society initiative. There are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today (March 2018 statistics - Alzheimer's Research UK), representing 1.3% of the UK population.  The number of people with Dementia is expected to grow rapidly and by 2051 it is projected to exceed 2 million. Ware & Kay is very keen to encourage all staff to develop the necessary skills to engage and work with those affected by dementia together with their relatives and carers.  The interactive Dementia Friends sessions were led by Dementia Friends Champion Fiona Gilbert, a volunteer for Dementia Friends.  The sessions enabled staff to learn about what dementia is, how it affects those living…

Ware & Kay sponsored Tadcaster Albion

Ware & Kay supported Tadcaster Albion Football Club by sponsoring the fixture against local team Brighouse Town on Saturday 1st December in what has an exciting hard-fought match resulting in a draw. Tadcaster Albion Football Club Chairman, Andy Charlesworth said "We would like to say a massive thank you to Ware & Kay for sponsoring our game against Brighouse. It was fantastic to see so many guests and employees support the event and cheer on the Brewers on the day. We hope to see you all again next year." David Hyams, Director for Ware & Kay who chose Joe Lumsden as the man of the match said "We were delighted to sponsor Tadcaster Albion and had a brilliant afternoon with our guests.   It was a thrilling match and the team did really well. We wish…

Ware & Kay Solicitors sponsors Tadcaster Albion Football Club

Ware & Kay are proud to be supporting Tadcaster Albion Football Club once again by sponsoring the home match against Brighouse Town on Saturday 1st December. Ware & Kay enjoy a strong working relationship with Tadcaster Albion and are continuing to show their ongoing commitment by providing match-day sponsorship. Tadcaster Albion Football Club Chairman, Andy Charlesworth "We would like to issue a very warm welcome to Ware & Kay Solicitors to the i2i Stadium for Saturday's league game against Brighouse Town. First and foremost we would like to thank you all for coming and sponsoring the game on 1st December and we sincerely hope you enjoy your day out at TAFC. Last season we reached the play-offs following a dramatic final day however, unfortunately we just missed out in the semi-final. Looking at this year…

Ware & Kay Solicitors Honoured For Helping To Secure Vital Funds For Cancer Research Uk

Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, has been recogised by Cancer Research UK after facilitating over £1.85 million worth of gifts from people choosing to leave a legacy to the charity in their will. Ian Fisher, Head of Wills and Probate, at Ware & Kay was presented with a gold certificate to acknowledge the firms ongoing support. The firm have been offering the Free Will Service to people aged 55 and over in York for the past 20 years, giving advice and support for those wishing to write a will or update an existing one. As part of the service Ware & Kay give guidance for those wishing to leave a legacy gift for Cancer Research UK. The charity receives no government funding for its research and relies heavily on the generosity of people leaving gifts…

Looking Ahead Brexit And October`s Changes To Employment Law

With only months to go until the UK leaves the EU, businesses and individuals are trying to plan for Brexit amidst uncertainty. Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton , looks at what we know about the likely affect of Brexit on UK employment law and the rights of EU workers, both in the event of a deal and a no deal exit. Gill also highlights a couple of changes in employment rights for October. How will Brexit affect employment law? The UK's membership of the EU has significantly shaped employment law in the UK, much of which is based on EU law. In the time immediately after Brexit, it is unlikely there will be any changes to employment law. Unless the EU and the UK agree…

Equal Pay For Equal Work

With reports about differences in pay between high profile men and women seemingly in the news on a daily basis at the moment, there cannot be many people in the UK who have not wondered how their pay compares to colleagues of the opposite sex. In this article, Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York, Wetherby & Malton , explains the rules on equal pay and what you, as an employer, can do to ensure you comply with them. The law in a nutshell Under the Equal Pay Act 2010, it is illegal to pay men and women in the same organisation different amounts for doing equal work, unless there is a justification for doing so. To be classed as equal work, the work being compared must be: the same…

York Teaching Hospital Charity Make A Will Week 8-12 October

Why make a Will? Only one in three of us will make a Will.  By putting our affairs in order, regardless of how big or small they are, you can give security to your loved ones and make things easier should the worst happen. Having a Will ensures you decide who inherits your estate and personal belongings.  You can appoint Executors to look after your affairs How does Make a Will Week work? We have generously offered to give both our time and expertise to write your Will in exchange for a donation to support York Teaching Hospital Charity. It's really simple to take part: 1.     Contact us between 8th and 12th October, 2018 to make an appointment.  Be sure to mention York Teaching Hospital Charity Make a Will Week. 2.    After you make the…

World Alzheimer`s Month Two Step Plan To Get Your Legal Affairs In Order

September is Alzheimer's month. To mark the occasion, and help raise awareness of the issues faced by dementia suffers and their families, Ian Fisher Head of Wills & Probate with Ware & Kay in York, Wetherby & Malton , provides an overview of the practical legal steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones. 'Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of people around the world. Receiving a diagnosis can be devastating and immediate thoughts will inevitably turn to treatment and healthcare support. However, it is also important to think about the legal and financial implications of a disease that will erode your ability to make decisions for yourself. Dealing with these issues at an early stage, while you still have the mental capacity to do so…