National Grief Awareness Week – 2 to 8 December 2024: a lawyer’s perspective

Unfortunately, at some point in our lives we will all be united by experiencing grief in one form or another. As lawyers, particularly within the Succession & Tax team, we see how grief can affect people in a variety of ways following a bereavement. Whether the grief was in some ways anticipated, perhaps due to the ill health or the age of a person, or whether the bereavement was completely unexpected, it does not detract from the range of complex and sometimes  inexplicable emotions a person may feel. It may be that the relationship with the person who has passed away was perhaps distant, fraught or complicated; however, the effects of grief experienced can be far more intense than imagined. How each individual will react to the death of someone close to them is unknown until it happens. It must be remembered that grief is a normal, natural response to loss and it should be openly discussed with compassion and that it helps those suffering to understand that they are not alone.

In addition to the primary grief caused by the loss of a loved one, there are often possible secondary impacts that can trigger further emotional turmoil at an already tumultuous time such as:

• Having to navigate through confusing legal processes, such as obtaining a Grant of Probate and administering the deceased’s estate;
• Breakdown of family relationships;
• Potential financial insecurity;
• Loss of income, housing, friendships or social status; and
• Disagreements relating to finances, property, the deceased’s personal belongings or business interests.

Blake Morgan specialises in supporting friends and families in their time of need by offering  professional, empathetic and non-judgemental advice. Whilst speaking about grief may not be a comfortable topic, it may be cathartic to do so, therefore please do share your personal stories of your loved ones with us. As lawyers, we appreciate getting to know our clients, whether before or after death – we are human too!

We understand that figuring out the next stages following a death may be overwhelming and therefore we aim to offer flexible scheduling for both in-person and remote appointments to try and find a time when you feel most comfortable. Additionally, we have a range of trusted contacts such as mortgage and financial advisors that we are able to refer you to for assistance, if required.

Our Succession & Tax team would be happy to discuss your circumstances and are able to advise on whether a Grant of Probate is required and providing clear step-by-step assistance in the process of administering an estate from start to finish.This allowsyou the time to decide whether to undertake the process alone or remove the burden by getting  professional assistance. Additionally, we are able to assist with proactive estate planning and taxation advice, as well as advising on complex matters such as intestacies (dying without a valid Will) and cross-border issues, to name a couple.

During the administration of an estate, it may be that matters become contentious, with disputes arising around issues such as the validity of a Will or inheritance and where a claim is sought against the Estate. In these circumstances, our specialist Contentious Probate team is able to provide invaluable assistance.

To find out more about how Blake Morgan can assist, please view our Private Client Services.