Tying the Knot and Tying Up Loose Ends

Inheritance Tax and Your Spouse or Civil Partner For many couples, marriage or civil partnership celebrates love and commitment. However, beyond this emotional bond, we often overlook vital legal and financial implications, especially inheritance tax (IHT). Understanding these implications is essential for ensuring your assets pass to loved ones as you wish and for easing […]

Choose Your Executors Wisely

An Executor’s Responsibility is Not to be Taken Lightly Planning for the future is never easy, but it’s crucial to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. A key part of this planning involves appointing executors in your Will. Executors are responsible for administering your estate after you’re gone, which requires […]

Why You Need Lasting Powers of Attorney, Whatever Your Age

It’s easy to think serious illnesses or accidents only happen to others. But unexpected events can occur at any age, potentially leaving us unable to make decisions for ourselves. This is where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) become essential, and everyone, regardless of age, should consider them. LPAs aren’t just for older individuals; impairment can […]

The Key to Your Dream Home

The Process of Buying a House Embarking on the journey to homeownership in the UK? While the idea of cosy evenings and decorating dreams is appealing, the reality involves careful planning and execution. Here, we’ve set out a clear roadmap, outlining the key steps to make your house purchase as smooth as possible. Laying the […]

Court Upholds Mother’s Best Interests in LPA Decision

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make crucial decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, the recent case of Norfolk County Council v CA and others […]

You Have a Will, But Do You Have an Up-To-Date Asset Log?

Why a Log is Crucial for Your Estate You may have already taken the responsible step of creating a Will. This ensures your wishes are known and has given you peace of mind. But having a Will isn’t the whole story. Creating and maintaining an up-to-date, detailed asset log is a crucial, often overlooked task. […]

Supporting Decision-Making When Capacity Varies

Oldham v KZ and the Challenges of Fluctuating Capacity The recent case of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council v KZ & Ors [2024] EWCOP 72 (T3) highlights the intricate legal challenges surrounding fluctuating capacity. This case, concerning a young deaf man with intermittent capacity, underlines the difficulties faced by the Court of Protection and legal practitioners […]

Supreme Court Clarifies Success Fees in Inheritance Disputes

A Family Divided: Hirachand v Hirachand [2024] UKSC 43 The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Hirachand v Hirachand [2024] UKSC 43 significantly impacts “no win, no fee” agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs). This ruling has important implications for law firms and clients, particularly regarding success fees in inheritance disputes. Background of the Case […]

Supporting the Next Generation

The Best Ways to Support Your Family Financially Want to give the next generation a financial head start? You’re not alone. Recent research from Savills shows that families funded over £9 billion worth of property purchases in 2023. Furthermore, a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that over an eight-year period, around 30% […]

Make a Will Your Priority in 2025

Protecting your loved ones is a year-round responsibility. However, the New Year offers a unique opportunity to ensure your family is looked after by making a Will one of your top priorities. While joining a gym and adopting healthy eating habits are undoubtedly worthwhile, making or updating your Will should be at the top of […]

From Fish Fingers to Fortune

Charity Wins in Unusual Will Case A recent High Court case involving a Will written by hand on the back of two food boxes (one that had contained Young’s frozen fish and the other Mr Kipling’s mince pies) has resulted in a significant windfall for a charitable organisation. This unusual case highlights the importance of […]

Is a Will Trust Right for You?

Protecting Your Family and Legacy Planning for the future can be daunting, especially concerning your loved ones. How can you ensure they are provided for after you’re gone? Establishing a Will trust is becoming increasingly popular, but is it the right choice for you? What is a Will Trust? A Will trust functions as a […]

Lack of Capacity and Undue Influence in Oliver v Oliver

Family Feud Leads to Overturned Will A recent decision in the High Court case, Oliver v Oliver [2024] EWHC 2289 (Ch), highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes, the critical importance of testamentary capacity, and the absence of undue influence, even when a solicitor drafts a Will and a medical professional witnesses it. Background of the […]

Need a Notary? Understanding This Essential Legal Service

Have you ever wondered what a notary public actually does? You may be surprised to learn that it involves more than just stamps and signatures! Notaries are highly trained legal professionals who provide peace of mind by verifying your documents and ensuring they meet legal requirements wherever you need them. Who Needs a Notary? Individuals […]

What to Do When a Bank Account is Frozen After a Death

Losing a loved one is always challenging, and dealing with their affairs afterwards can add to the stress. Many people encounter a common problem: the deceased’s bank accounts are frozen, even with a financial Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. This can be challenging when you face immediate costs like the funeral. Why Accounts […]

Key Takeaways from the Autumn Budget for Your Estate

The Chancellor unveiled some significant surprises in the Autumn Budget 2024, particularly for those engaged in estate planning. While Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds remain frozen, substantial changes to pensions and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) could dramatically impact your estate planning. Here, we look at the key takeaways from the Budget and examine what measures you […]

Deathbed Drama: Will Revoked, Fortune Up for Grabs

Torn-Up Will Revoked? The recent High Court case of Carry Keats, a 92-year-old woman who tore up her Will on her deathbed, highlights the legal requirements for validly revoking a Will in England and Wales. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of clear intentions and testamentary capacity when making or changing end-of-life […]

Can Regular Gifts Really Lower Your Inheritance Tax Bill?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a critical consideration in estate planning. While established strategies like utilising the nil-rate band and potentially exempt transfers (PETs) are widely employed, a lesser-known yet highly effective approach involves gifting from surplus income. This method presents a unique opportunity to manage IHT liability while proactively providing beneficiaries with financial support. Advantages […]

The Importance of Time When Challenging the Validity of a Will

Inheritance disputes are, unfortunately, all too common. If you believe a Will is invalid, you can challenge it in court. However, acting quickly is crucial. While no strict deadline exists for contesting a Will, delaying your challenge could seriously harm your chances of success. Grounds for Contesting a Will Unlike many other countries, the law […]

Living Together? Don’t Rely on “Common Law Marriage” Myths

A new poll from the UK’s national will-writing campaign reveals a worrying misconception. Almost two-thirds (64%) of the estimated 3.4 million cohabiting couples in the UK wrongly believe their partner will automatically inherit their estate if they die without a Will. Younger couples are particularly prone to this misunderstanding, highlighting a critical need for greater […]