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 […]

The Gathering Inheritance Tax Storm

Why Your Will Matters More Than Ever The financial landscape of inheritance in the UK is on the cusp of change. Whispers of potential reforms to inheritance tax (IHT) are escalating, and the steady rise in contested Wills highlights a growing issue. With a significant proportion of the population depending on inheritances to secure their […]

Unlocking the Power of Will Trusts

Will Trusts are a step beyond standard Wills, offering unique and often powerful benefits. Trusts can provide enhanced control and protection for your assets, potentially reducing inheritance tax and safeguarding your loved ones’ inheritance. This additional layer of control can give you greater peace of mind and ensures that your wishes are carried out even […]

Who Decides What Happens to Your Body After You Die?

Your Body, Their Decision? Many people mistakenly believe their wishes in a Will are legally binding when it comes to what happens to their body after death. This misunderstanding can lead to unexpected and sometimes painful disputes among surviving family members. While the Law Commission may have started a long overdue review of the “ancient […]

Beyond Bereavement: The Executor’s Burden

Being appointed as an Executor is an honour. It signifies a deep trust and respect from the deceased. Yet, amidst the grief and remembrance, it’s vital to recognise this role’s potential challenges and personal liabilities. These challenges can range from navigating complex legal obligations such as probate and tax filings and managing potential disputes among beneficiaries to fulfilling fiduciary […]

Smooth Sailing: Make Your House Move Stress-Free

Buying or selling a property is exciting, but the conveyancing process can sometimes throw a few curveballs. Pitfalls can still arise along the way, even when everything looks straightforward. An experienced property lawyer will ensure all legal aspects are handled correctly and on time. They will do everything possible to ensure the transaction runs smoothly […]