Wills and Probate

Clever estate planning can be an incredibly useful tool in combatting unnecessary tax to our estates after we die. A tactical approach can significantly mitigate an estate’s inheritance tax (‘IHT’) liability and can be done by (amongst other things) distributing assets while we are still alive.

This blog seeks to illustrate the applicability of inheritance tax on estates and the potential methods of mitigating it. It does not take into account any capital gains or income tax consequences, gifts into trust or business property relief.

Most of us don’t give much thought to what would happen if we became incapable of making decisions for ourselves whether due to an accident, illness, or old age, yet the repercussions of losing mental capacity and not having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place can be complex and distressing to deal with, especially for your loved ones.

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September and is part of World Alzheimer’s Month occurring throughout September. This year’s theme is ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ with a focus on post-diagnosis support.

By 1st September this year, virtually all trusts must be registered with the government’s new “Trust Registration Service”.  Trustees could be fined if they don’t.  There are some exceptions; but we are recommending all trustees take advice before the deadline to ensure they are meeting their legal obligations.

In support of Dementia Action Week, our specialist Wills, Trusts and Probate team explores some of the practical issues to consider when supporting a loved one with dementia.

This year, SFE, a membership body representing over 1,600 solicitors specialising in working with older and vulnerable people, has launched “Update Your Will Week” (28th March – 3rd April) in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of updating your will regularly. 

The recent case of Hirachand -v- Hirachand [2021] EWCA Civ 1498 brought the topic of Conditional Fee Agreements (“CFAs”) back into the spotlight. Richard Woodward, associate solicitor in our Dispute Resolution team, discusses the case and whether we’re likely to see a re-birth of no-win, no fee as a result.

Life Interest Wills ensure your loved ones are provided for during their lifetime while protecting the value of assets for your beneficiaries.

There is a general misconception that a Lasting Power of Attorney is a document to consider much later in your life. However, this is a key document to have in place before you lose capacity. Another misconception is that the kind of illness that would require an LPA to be in place would be dementia or […]

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the Government’s definition of Key Workers involves solicitors who act in relation to the preparation of Wills.  In an area of law which hasn’t changed in nearly two hundred years, how has the private client department adapted to the uncertainty of COVID 19 to find innovative solutions to […]

The risks of signing a power of attorney have been highlighted by a retired senior judge, who says the current system is open to abuse and its lack of safeguards can have a “devastating” impact on family relationships.

People often think that trusts are complicated, expensive and something that is only necessary for people who have a lot of money to put into them.  However, a trust is a useful device for moving money out of your estate no matter how large or small it is, particularly as a way of reducing Inheritance Tax.