An article out in yesterday’s Daily Mail Online has indicated that up to 1.5 million people have been sold “rip-off wills” by our high street banks. You may recall that during the 1990’s and early 2000’s a number of banks were offering will writing services as an added extra to their accounts and mortgage deals. Some banks offered free wills provided that you had a certain account with them or offered wills at what was considered a discounted rate compared to those offered by solicitors and will specialists. Although initially confirming your wishes about what would happen to your money and property when you passed away, some of these wills included onerous provisions in the small print that could end up leaving your proposed beneficiaries with a lot less than what you had intended.

The understanding and awareness of Dementia is increasing as more and more people are willing to speak out about their experiences, take action and break down barriers and stigmas. We appreciate that the subjects of capacity, memory, Wills and death can be daunting to talk about, but they are necessary discussions to have. If you are uncertain on how best to talk about these subjects, possibly because you are unsure how you would go about getting your legal affairs in order; or, you just don’t feel you need to; or, something else entirely, then discussing these earlier on in your life is a positive step, as you will be better equipped to deal with life’s rollercoaster.

‘Our mission is to transform the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.’– Alzheimer’s Society

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051. 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia. 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems. There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK. More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.

Dementia Action Week (previously Dementia Awareness Week) takes place from 21st - 27th May and the Alzheimer’s Society are calling on everyone to take action, whether it is only a small action, it can have a big impact. This is to help improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia and create a dementia friendly UK.

When someone passes away, financial institutions are unlikely to release any assets in the Estate belonging to the Deceased (money, property and possessions) without a “Grant of Probate” (if they left a Will) or “Grant of Letters of Administration” (if they died Intestate, meaning without a Will). A Grant may not be required by financial institutions if the value of the Deceased’s Estate is fairly modest, however will always be required where there is a property.

Recent government proposals suggest that the ‘blue badge scheme’, which allows people to park closer to their destination free of charge, may be extended to those living with disabilities that are not always visible, such as autism and dementia. The proposals have received a welcome response in light of a recent report showing that 75% of blue badge holders admitted that they would go out less frequently if they were not part of the scheme. Supporters of the proposal feel that it will enable and encourage many more people to lead and to benefit from a more independent lifestyle.

It was recently held by the Court of Appeal in the case of Lynn Lewis v Thomas Warner [2017] EWCA 2182 (Civ) that “reasonable financial provision” for maintenance, as defined under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (‘the Act’), could be fulfilled by an order to transfer the deceased’s (Mrs Blackwell) property to her surviving unmarried co-habiting partner (Mr Warner) for a sum greater than the value of the property.