My mind has been much exercised recently after reading about a case which has come to light in Edinburgh.

It involved a local council and the mummified corpses of an elderly couple. Following their deaths, in 1987 and 1994 respectively, their son had them embalmed in the hope that their...

The fascination with the Moors Murders has fuelled more headlines in the last few weeks.

Ian Brady, who, together with his former partner Myra Hindley, murdered five children in the early 1960s, was back on the front pages.

His mental health advocate told reporters that his heart had...

Several months ago, I wrote about the lack of a central and easily accessible register of so-called 'living wills' (http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/helen-gaskell/living-wills-and-the-medi_b_1290123.html).

The documents, which are also known as 'Advance Decisions', came into force five years ago and allow individuals to give notice of their intention to refuse treatment in specific future...

Hollywood and television commercials present countless images of old age as a time when contented, silver-haired individuals kick back after a life of work and raising families. The hours become filled with comfortable, pension-funded breaks in sunny climates, tending to the garden and looking after adorable grandchildren.

The reality, however,...

We live, we are told, in an age of independence, when individuals possess more ability to take control of their lives than any previous era in history.

Knowledge and technology has empowered and enabled us to decide where and how we want to live. It has even given both the...

There are few circumstances in which a relatively simple document can make such a significant difference as in death.

However, whilst the presence of a Will can be a source of great comfort, making clear someone's intention to take care of those left behind, its absence can add terrible uncertainty...

The business of dividing up someone's assets after they've died is never a pleasant one but is usually relatively straightforward.

There are, though, instances in which the terms of someone's will cannot be executed without some difficulties or objections, possibly re-opening old disputes among the family, friends and other beneficiaries...