31st March 2025
It is a common misconception that if the unthinkable happens and parents pass away before their children are over the age of 18, the children will simply be passed to their grandparents. Even if that were true...
17th March 2025
The term intestate refers to a person who passes away without having made a valid Will, which typically leads to the state determining how their assets are distributed. While many people assume that famous individua...
3rd March 2025
Creating a Will is a critical step in securing the financial future of loved ones and ensuring that personal wishes are respected after death. In the UK a whopping 60% of the population who should have a Will don&rs...
17th February 2025
In recent years, family estates liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT) are rapidly on the increase. The rise in the value of properties in particular means that many more "ordinary" people have to deal with the compl...
3rd February 2025
A Life Interest in Property Trust (LIPT) is a legal arrangement that allows a person (the "life tenant") to use or benefit from a property for the duration of their life. This type of trust is often used in estate p...
20th January 2025
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that enables an individual (known as the “Donor”) to appoint someone to make decisions about investments, asset...
6th January 2025
Some of our clients ask us about transferring their family home into the names of their children, thinking it might save inheritance tax, or reduce their liability for care fees. This means that the legal owners of ...
23rd December 2024
After you die, so long as you have a valid Will, your estate will typically be distributed according to your wishes as outlined in your Will. However, in certain circumstances, individuals who feel that they haven&r...
9th December 2024
Every individual has an allowance against Inheritance Tax. This is the amount of your estate which is taxed at 0%, and anything above the allowance is taxed at 40%. With the allowances currently frozen, and house pr...
25th November 2024
To get the most out of your appointment with us, it is worth giving your Estate Planning requirements some thought beforehand. This way, your consultant will be able to tailor their advice to suit your needs. Here a...
11th November 2024
A power of attorney is a document which enables someone else to act on your behalf. The donor (person making the document) can appoint attorneys (trusted individuals) to carry out important tasks should the donor no...
28th October 2024
The "Right of Occupation Trust" provides an occupant the right to live in a property for a specified period or until a particular event occurs. Such trusts are commonly used in estate planning, often to protect the ...
14th October 2024
Writing your own Will might seem like a way to save money, but even small mistakes can lead to significant issues down the line. Despite this, many people still opt for a DIY Will rather than seeking professional he...
30th September 2024
It’s safe to say that most of us love animals – whether they’re fluffy, feathered, or covered in scales, they have our hearts. Around 60% of UK households own pets, and most owners would consider t...
16th September 2024
We can all find ourselves busy with life, and getting a Will made is often one of those jobs that keeps getting put off. However, if someone dies without a Will, they die ‘intestate’. But what exactly do...
2nd September 2024
A Will is a crucial legal document that dictates how your estate will be distributed after death. However, it must meet certain requirements to be legally valid. Here’s a concise guide to ensure your Will is v...
19th August 2024
Losing a friend or family member is an incredibly difficult experience, and dealing with the necessary paperwork and practicalities is the last thing anyone wants to focus on while grieving. However, there are a few...
5th August 2024
While it is important, estate planning is sometimes ignored with more effort directed towards financial advice or wealth management. Estate planning involves preparing for the distribution of your wishes, responsibi...
22nd July 2024
Life's major milestones, such as marriage or divorce, can significantly impact your financial future and that of your loved ones. It's essential to understand how these changes affect your estate plan. Marriage: A ...
8th July 2024
If you’re not familiar with the Aretha Franklin Will saga, handwritten “DIY” Wills were found in one of the soul singer’s homes, after it had been originally thought that she passed away with...
24th June 2024
Many people want to ensure their home stays protected for their spouse while eventually passing it on to their children. However, a standard Will might not achieve this. A standard Will cannot guarantee this happeni...
10th June 2024
This article will cover the roles and duties of an executor, how to choose the right executor for your Will, and the responsibilities of an executor. Choosing an executor is an important step when creating a Will. ...
27th May 2024
A Will is a vital document that expresses your final wishes regarding the distribution of your assets. However, undue pressure or coercion can cloud a Will's validity, leaving a trail of hurt feelings and legal disp...
13th May 2024
The number of couples living together who are married have been decreasing over the years. One reason for this is the rise of cohabiting couples. Recent statistics have shown that 6.8 million couples were cohabitati...