Jan 14 2022

Lodge Brothers Legal Services Serving the Community for over 200 years

What is a lasting power of attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) is a legal document that lets you appoint another person, the attorney, to make financial and/or welfare decisions on your behalf, if in the future you become unable or unwilling to make your own decisions.

What is probate and why is it necessary to involve obtain a Lasting Power of Attorney Ashford? It may not be necessary for a person to use an attorney for this process however if this is something that you are not familiar with, it is highly recommended for you to let an attorney assist you in order to ensure that everything is completed and assessed as it should be. Without the appropriate experience in this area, the situation can be over-whelming and may end up cost you in the long run.

Lodge Brothers employees are not only familiar with the process, they have dedicated their life’s work to offering the best service and expertise to those who seek them out for assistance. After the passing of your family member or loved one, a person has many difficult decisions to make, least of which is dealing with the will of the person who has passed away. What happens if the will is not verified or is contested at court? Well this is the time when its better to hand over to the professionals.

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A Probate estate comprises of all the assets and liabilities that a person has when they pass away. These assets and liabilities are verified by proving that the Will that the person has left behind, if they have indeed left a Will and instructions therein, is a genuine instruction from the departed as to how they would like their estate to be dealt with and settled. Assets include everything that the deceased physically owned both specified and unspecified in the last Will and testament. All the possessions that a person has, must be dealt with correctly at the time of passing, no matter how big or small, no matter how valuable, be it emotionally or financially. Probate Ashford is an active process which helps to sort the estate of the passed individual out as intended.

The process of can sometimes be sorted out in as little as 6 months, in some cases.  can take as long as 2 years or more to assess and verify. The timeframe of the probate Weybridge process depends on the complexity of the estate which can also be affected when the Will is disputed by a family member. Some small estates are the rare exception to the process and may not require probate Sunbury at all.  A court supervised process, probates can be a complex procedure.

Lodge Brothers legal services, partner to the Lodge Brothers family of funeral directors, have the know-how of the legal process of probate to ensure a stress-free process. Once all is said and done there are only benefits to contact Legal Brothers Legal Service attorneys, Sophie, Emily and Hannah, to assist you with this emotionally draining process. Services for probate can be agreed to and paid for ahead of time that will ease the process at the end of the day and ensure that the estate is correctly and accurately handled as preferred.

Click here to find out more on Lasting Power of Attorney Feltham and Lasting Power of Attorney Guildford


Jan 10 2022

Lodge Brothers Staines Pillar of Strength for the Community

Just as the cost of living increases from year to year, the cost of dying is no different. The SunLife cost of dying report for 2021, an annual sector-leading research paper, which has been providing a comprehensive overview of funeral costs since 2004, shows that the cost of funerals has continued to increase on an annual basis. One positive aspect however is that the increase of funeral-related costs has at least slowed down somewhat over the last 2 years.

The same report goes on to explain that the average cost of dying in 2021, depending on where in the UK you live, is £8,864 – that is down 4.3% since 2020.

Funeral costs are rarely included as part of the average family’s annual budget. The Lodge Brothers family of Funeral Directors Clandon, offer a variety of cost-effective solutions aimed at assisting families to deal with the costs, which arise when a loved one passes away.

Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Merrow all offer a range of pre-paid for and planned funeral packages, with a suitable budget option for all, all of which are designed to alleviate the inevitable financial and emotional strain which is placed on families when a loved one passes away. What makes the difference is the Lodge Brothers pledge to ensure that there are no hidden extras to surprise you, after all is said and done. Lodge Brothers publishes a full list of all costs attached to funeral planning on their website for full transparency and will provide a detailed quote prior to proceeding with any of the funeral arrangements, so that the families of the deceased know and understand everything that they will be required to pay for.

     

In the case of pre-planned arrangements, the deceased has already made most of the tough decisions on behalf of their loved ones. In fact, any person who would like to make their funeral wishes known, can use the complimentary service on the website which is kept on file in the event of their demise, so that when their family choses Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Staines, all of the hard decisions are already made ahead of time. Using this service does not commit anyone to a funeral plan with Lodge Brothers – it simply ensures that when you loved ones chose Lodge Brothers for funeral arrangements, the wishes of the deceased shared with the family who can then provide the funeral just as you would have, if you had planned it yourself.

Besides being able to rely on our 240 years of experience in the business of assisting families with funerals, when loved ones reach out to Lodge Brothers at their time of need, not only are they ensured of having full sight of what has been arranged and the cost of doing so, but they are also guaranteed many additional extra’s, which other Funeral homes will charge for, at no extra cost. Services such as afterhours attendance, arrangements for family viewings at the chapel of rest, delivery of ashes, additional staff or bearers, access to bereavement support and house calls, all come as part of the full service which you can expect to receive from Lodge Brothers across the UK.


Nov 13 2021

Lodge Brothers Legal Services decades of legal experience

If your parent, sibling or partner were to pass away unexpectedly tomorrow, would you know what is legally required in terms of handing their death? Did you know that all deaths must be registered within 5 days, including weekend and bank holidays? This is just the first step on the list of things to do when dealing with an individual’s passing.

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Once the event has been registered, a certificate of burial or an application for cremation, which ever the case is, must be processed. The certificate of burial must be provided to your funeral director after which you can begin the process of arranging the funeral or cremation. The funeral director should be registered and can help you to plan the funeral and will also be able to assist you how to make payment arrangements.

Bear in mind the updated Covid-19 restrictions which will be applicable at the time and how this will impact on the events of the funeral or the cremation. Scotland, Wales and Norther Ireland will have different restrictions for attending funerals and so these should be noted where applicable.

The UK government offers their “Tell us Once” service which allows a death to be reported to all government departments so as to save further bereavement for the family which could result from on-going reporting of the passing of their loved one. As yet, Ireland does not offer this service.

Other legal requirements include managing tax and benefits and applying for probate Sunbury. Applying for probate Shepperton is what must be done when requesting the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions, commonly referred to as their ‘estate’. If there is a Will, the grant of probate will be provided and letters of administration will need to be annexed. In the event that the individual concerned did not leave a Will, then letters of administration will be provided.

Lodge Brothers Legal Service is a specialist firm of solicitors who deal with wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney. Clients who require legal services have accessible, affordable legal advice across Middlesex, Surrey and Berkshire.

Probate West Byfleet services are offered at a fixed fee which are tailored to your needs regardless of the type of advice you are looking for. From consultations to ensure that probate paperwork has been completed correctly, to simply submitting the entire probate Walton process to Lodge Brothers Legal Service to handle.

It is common for clients of the firm to express their gratitude for the level of personal service, which is provided as our professional solicitors understand that clients are often going through a difficult emotional period of time, following the death of a beloved person. Lodge Brothers Legal Service are passionate about client care, and endeavour to make the process of providing clients with legal advice infinitely easier avoiding “legalise” language and rather taking a step by step approach to help guide clients through the legal obligations required of them at a most stressful time.


Nov 6 2021

Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Ottershaw

It was 1969 when famed Swiss psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross wrote: “If all of us would make an all-out effort to contemplate our own death, to deal with our anxieties surrounding the concept of our death… perhaps there could be less destructiveness around us.” At some stage through our lives, we realise that death is inevitable and contemplating our own death is something, which can leave a person feeling incredibly fearful. Fearful of the future, the unknown, what happens to us when we die, what happens to the family we leave behind. The idea of death can be something that humans grapple within a way that makes them ponder the very existence of life in a very existential way.

As we become older, thinking about our death somehow becomes easier, in some part it’s because it becomes more inevitable, but also because we realise that there are many aspects surrounding our living, which need to be finalised in dying. Some families have to face the conversation sooner than others do which is something that can come when least expected. The rights of passage and funeral rituals, which we observe, are part of how we contemplate our own death. These traditions, attached to the end of life, are meaningful and important for us to plan, not just for our own contemplation but to allow those left behind to process their grief.

 

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ottershaw have dedicated their professional lives to helping families to contemplate the death of someone close to them and understand all of the practicalities which the public by and large the general public would not have much awareness of. It can also be extremely therapeutic for someone who is contemplating their own passing, to provide insight into many of the aspects of the event, and by doing so can help them to feel more in control of what is to come. Not only will this help them but it will also help their family who will know what it is that the end od days means to their loved one and how to lovingly allow them to have the dignity in death that we all deserve.

Lodge Brothers funerals director Slough are infinitely qualified in dealing with the process of dying and can offer you their insights and patience, allowing you to take each aspect surrounding the event, explore it in detail and decide how you would like it to be managed. Funeral Directors have the capacity for empathy, sensitivity and understanding which is an innate requirement that will be of great value to both you and your loved ones. Aspects that you will discuss with your Funeral Director include legal requirements, costs, burial or cremation details including flowers and embellishments, transportation and your choice of your final resting place. Funeral Directors also encourage the involvement of the family in the proceedings, as this is know to assist with grieving and closure.

It is time to talk about what is important. Contact your local Funeral Directors Send to start your conversation about the importance of funeral planning.


May 17 2021

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LANGLEY

Lodge Brothers began as a family business currently run by six members of the Lodge family who are seventh generation funeral directors Isleworth. While the current extended Lodge Family across the UK is not necessarily blood-related, the bonds between all of the funeral directors at Lodge Brothers still run deep because of the shared heritage they have and because of the common goal that they share.  This is to ensure that each person who crosses their doorstep knows that they are in safe hands and can rest assured that no detail is overlooked. With so much experience and a deep love for what can only be called a vocation, Lodge Brothers funeral directors Datchet provide many options for the funerals, which honours the memory of the deceased.

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Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Roehampton are unequivocally the most accessible funeral Directors in the country which means that you do not have to go far to find us when the times comes that you should be looking for a Funeral Director. 2020 began with the harsh reality that we all need to expect the unexpected. Covid 19 has caused mayhem across the country and globally and sadly resulted in the passing of a great many people both young and old. While the older members of our country and those with underlying health issues, have been struck down the most, it does not mean that a person can afford to be nonchalant. Each person has the responsibility of taking action to ensure his or her health and safety and that of those whom are closest.  Lodge Brothers funeral directors Langley have seen first-hand how this global pandemic has affected many families which is why we are so grateful for the dedicated Lodge Brothers team who compassionately assist families at their time of grief.

Funeral directors have to focus on two major areas: taking care of the logistics and legalities involved in the passing of a person, as well as taking care of the emotional aspects ensuring that the life of the person who has departed is respected and celebrated in the way in which they lived. But to the Funeral directors at Lodge Brothers, this is not a stranger who has passed away… it’s your family and who becomes our family which is why we treat each instance with the love and respect we would give if it WAS our own family. No request is too much to ask and no need is less important than the next as every single decision which has to be made for help finalise the person’s life, is of utmost importance in order for you be supported the journey that you find yourself facing. Nothing is more important to Lodge Brothers than to ensure that we are always here to help


May 14 2021

Lodge Brothers Legal Services assist with all the legal matters around death

One thing that you can be guaranteed of when you engage with a Lodge Brothers Legal attorney is that you will receive the personal touch. Lodge Brothers Legal Services are affiliated with the Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors family of companies with a unique past. In operation for over 240 years, the Lodge Brothers managed to grow throughout the UK for 8 generations, making them the epitome of the family business. As part of the services offered to their client base which spans the breadth and length of the UK, Lodge Brothers looked to increasing their funeral director services, with that of legal Services specifically related to the needs of the families who came to them, to say goodbye to their loved ones.

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The complimentary services included probate Guildford assistance, drawing up of Wills and preparing Lasting Power of Attorneys. The Lodge Brothers name is one which you will be familiar with and this is because they are placed conveniently across the country, meaning that you and your family may well have already had dealings with them. Lodge Brothers Legal attorneys have followed suit and offer each individual service with the personal touch that you come to expect from the brand.

If you turn to social media you will notice that there are many competitors in the industry but if you are looking for experts in the field, with an elevated knowledge of probate Ashford, in your local area, then it’s the Lodge Brothers Probate Feltham services that will benefit you’re the most. Being able to meet with your personal attorney face to face makes it easier to have all of your questions answered, and it will be far easier to reach your Probate attorney when the time comes for you that you may need to meet with them face to face. Having a local solicitor gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are able to contact their offices in person, at any time.

Lodge Brothers probate Shepperton has access to over 40 offices across a vast area in the UK stretching from Surrey, through Middlesex and into Berkshire allowing for face-to-face meetings in all of these areas. Should you prefer to contact your attorney through online options, that is always an equally possible alternative.

Offering 3 service levels to ensure affordability and adaptability, there is a suitable option for everyone. Chose Bronze level, where the application remains with the appointed Executor of the estate, however our Executors will help to prepare all probate forms and make the application at the probate registry. With the Silver Service level, appointed Executors remain responsible for registering the death with all asset holders. Executors will establish the assets and liabilities at date of death while we complete the probate papers, Inheritance tax forms and apply for the Grant.  Our attorneys will register the death certificate with the asset holders.

Choosing a Gold level service, Lodge Brothers attorneys will ascertain the date of death assets, liabilities of the estate, complete all the probate papers, Inheritance Tax forms and apply for the Grant.

Lodge Brothers Probate Woking Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Speak to us today by clicking here Probate Weybridge, Probate Sunbury, probate West Byfleet and probate Walton


Feb 12 2021

Lodge Brothers Legal Services offer a free no obligation quote

The passing of a loved one can change your world in an instant. In one moment, everything is as it should be, and then within a heartbeat, it can all come crashing down. Sometimes we are prepared for the passing of our loved one in that we know it is coming but it does not take away the impact of that final moment when it actually happens. No matter how mentally prepared you may be, especially when a person has an illness for an extended period, there is always that sense of hope that things will be ok. When that call comes and hope dissolves, you need a support structure in place to help you navigate the unknown road ahead.

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Grieving loved ones, are advised to include, in their support system, a probate legal expert.

When it comes to the legalities associated with the end of life, Lodge Brothers Legal Services probate Guildford, probate Ashford and probate Feltham knows what is required for the executor of an estate and who is responsible for the probate process that authenticates a last will and testament of the deceased person.

Should the deceased have a will in place, Lodge Brothers Legal Services have the training and expertise required to facilitate the court-administered legal process of probate Woking. Even more importantly, when an individual does not have a last will and testament, the process can become significantly more difficult. While families deal with the immense emotional grief which they must face when their loved one passes, Lodge Brothers Legal Services solicitors take care of the legal logistics.

There are 4 steps to the probate process. Firstly, the will, should there be one, has to be proven for authenticity. This is required to make sure that the Will is the most valid and latest version. In order for this to happen, a case is filed at the court. Once the court has validated the Will, the court will be in contact with the relevant beneficiaries and creditors. Before the beneficiaries can inherit assess indicated in the Will, creditors will need to be paid. Thus clearing all debts and outstanding taxes, so that the court can process the remaining assets as stipulated by the Will. At this stage there may be objections raised because of either complicated family dynamics or resulting from the process whereby all debts were settled. Should the debts out-weigh the assets, beneficiaries may not be advised, this may cause financial, and emotions stress for the family. Should the estate be unaffected by the debtors payments, an inventory of the properties and other assets such as jewellery, furniture and other possessions. The assessment covers everything from bank accounts affected by joint-tenancy with rights of survivorship, to distinguishing between probate or non-probate assets and properties.

At the end of the probate process, the assets are distributed according to the instructions found within the Will. The process of executing probate Weybridge and closing an estate can be a long and difficult one and your Lodge Brothers Legal Services attorney will be available for consultation until all details are legally finalised.


Feb 5 2021

Lodge Brothers dedicated team can be reached by phone or email 24 x7

All across England people are being required to stay home. Funeral ceremonies may only be allow limited attendance and those who do attend must still follow all Covid health instructions with regards to social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing. The funeral industry has been thrown into turmoil at the result of the pandemic and Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors are following government guidance on managing a funeral in England, during this coronavirus pandemic.

This short explanation from Lodge Brothers explains what is expected if you need to arrange a funeral, and will help you to understand how funerals have changed over this period.

Funeral attendance is limited to 30 people or less, this is for funerals both indoors as well as outdoors. Should you hold an event which is not a funeral per say, but is a belief-based or commemorative event, only 15 people may attend, whether it be indoors or outdoors. Lodge Brothers funeral directors recommends that funerals are to be announced as by invitation only, thereby controlling the numbers of attendees to within permissible limits and ensuring that close family and friends gain preferential access to the funeral.

In line with the government guidelines, our funeral events are held in Covid secure venues that have been through thorough health and safety risk assessments, ensuring that all risks regarding the coronavirus are mitigated and limited.

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In the event that your loved one has passed from Covid-related complications, family members who have been in contact with the deceased must remain in isolation for the prescribed amount of time and personal attendance to the funeral will not be permitted. Remote attendance is the alternative to curb the potential spreading of the virus and placing other family members in harm’s way.

Government guidelines state that funerals should not be delayed in order to accommodate family members finishing isolation. This is hardest on loved ones left behind to accept however, Lodge Brothers funeral directors Slough, funeral directors Roehampton and funeral directors Teddington will make all of the relevant arrangements and alleviate you from any additional and undue stress resulting from the difficult circumstances that you are already facing. It is a well-known fact that funerals are a vital part of the grieving process however priority must remain to contain the virus, in order to ensure that no one suffers unnecessarily and becomes ill themselves, placing their own lives in danger as well. Families need their members who are Covid free, to stay that way so that life can carry on as best physically possible under these trying circumstances.

Family members and friends who are not part of the family bubble who wish to travel in order to attend the funeral, should chose to stay in a hotel or guest house where they will not be exposed to other family members who may be isolating or in quarantine.

All mourners must follow Covid rules and remain compliant to those rules throughout the event. Funerals can be held in a shorter period, or in rotation, so that respects can still be paid to the deceased yet in a safe environment.


Nov 13 2020

Lodge Brothers legal help you provide for your loved ones in the way you wish

Inevitably, life tends to have a way of getting away with us. We leave school as young adults, searching for incomes which will allow us the independence that we so covet. Earning money means we have the power to make the choices about our own lives that feel so important to us at the time. Whether our goals are to grow our careers, or to start a family, independence generally decreases as we become more financially viable. What begins as an endeavour to be the best person that we can be, results in the accrual of material things and people. The car you save for to empower freedom of choice in your life becomes an asset. The type of social interactions which you choose, leads to you meet likeminded individuals and perhaps eventually results in a joining of kindred spirits in matrimony or the like. Families grow, houses are built and the need for a more stable income grows. All of these things that you need to build to sustain your life, become your assets. You have a choice over them in life. So too, do you have a choice over them in death.

Life unwittingly takes hold of us and often, the administration of your life is left at the bottom of the list of things to do. Stats show that 38% of adults living in the UK passed away last year without a will. Your will is your last chance to make voice heard and to have your final choices carried out as you would have done if you were still able. Failing to plan for your estate your estate via your will, you leave a lot to chance. And if you have not lived your life leaving all things to chance, why let it be the case in your death. No one person knows your wishes and desires as well as you do so when you pass away without a will and your estate is then governed by the laws of intestacy which means that everything that you have worked your whole life to attain is now governed by a set of rules enforced by the courts. Only married or civil partners and some of your close relatives are able to inherit your estate under the laws of intestacy which means that the courts may assign your possessions to someone who you had never intended them to.

Lodge Brothers attorneys specialise exclusively in Probate, Wills and Power of Attorney. Probate Guildford is the process, which confirms who will handle a person’s estate after their death and it is important to have, as it is a legal requirement. Probate Feltham is a complicated system that is advisable to be handled by a competent probate attorney. Aspects of the probate Ashford process include, establishing the value of your assets and liabilities, finalising Inheritance Tax, applying for Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Lodge Brothers probate Woking offer caring and practical legal advice efficiently and professionally to make your life easier during distressing times.


Nov 12 2020

You can trust Lodge Brothers to guide you through every step of the journey

Lodge Brothers funeral directors New Malden have first-hand experience when dealing with the painful consequences of 2020 and the Corona 19 Pandemic which affected, afflicted and shut down the UK, leaving families reeling as they faced the loss of freedom of choice, freedom of movement, loss of jobs, loss of finances and most difficult of all, loss of life. Funerals are highly emotionally occasions but even more when a person loses their life to a global pandemic, which appeared unexpectedly a year ago and proceed to upset our normality and shake us to the core. The passing of someone who has succumbed to Covid-19 is even more raw and emotional when that life becomes part of the painful statistics, which the country faces on a daily basis.

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ascot do not treat your loved ones passing as if it were merely a statistic, but rather as family. Lodge Brothers have been assisting families with their loss and grief for more than 240 years and are sensitive to the fact that losing a loved one is simply heart-wrenching. Organising a funeral can be a daunting task however with caring and professional people by your side can make it more bearable; leading your family through the process, providing you with solutions to problems, you have not experienced before. Arranging a funeral becomes seamless as Lodge Brothers alleviate any additional and unnecessary pressure for the family.

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Following a death, there are many legal requirements to be undertaken, such as registering the death, Wills & Probate, completion of statutory documentation and liaison with third parties. So too are there many logistical requirements, such as bringing your loved one into our care, advising people, making decisions such as choosing between burials or cremations and financing the funeral. Lodge Brothers offers several options to pay for the funeral and will always provide families with an itemised list of services and their associated costs to enable families to decide accordingly. Funerals can be expensive, and we appreciate that this can present very real difficulty to families who have not made prior arrangements to cover such expenses. Lodge Brothers funeral charges are extremely competitive when compared to other Funeral Directors, considering the exceptional service and professionalism of our staff and superior facilities which we offer. Our funeral directors Hillingdon have a solution for all financial scenarios. Lodge Brothers price match other local Funeral Directors, based on a written quotation.

Additional constraints have been placed on funerals, which must be adhered to during these times, but the UK government has provided guidance for the arranging and attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic. These guidelines were developed to ensure that bereaved families are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and that funerals can continue to take place while minimising the risk of infection. Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Shepherds Bush are very familiar with these stipulations and our staff strive to balance the requirements of the grieving, allowing them to mourn, with the need to minimise the spread of COVID-19 infection.


Coronavirus/Covid-19

We understand that with the ongoing changes to our lives caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, feelings of grief and anxiety are amplified when we lose a loved one. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the virus.

The health and wellbeing of our clients and staff are our top priority. When visiting our branches we ask that you observe the following:

  • Face coverings must be worn when entering our branches (unless you are exempt)
  • Only two clients in the funeral home at any one time.
  • The 2 metre distancing rule will be upheld
  • Hands to be sanitised on entry & exit

Yours sincerely,
Robert Lodge Chairman