According to a Conservative MP and probate solicitor, John Stevenson, the Probate Service is now more backlogged than it was two years ago. Despite more funding and an injection of more financial and human resources, Mr Stevenson claims that the system has deteriorated. What Is Causing Delays at the Probate Service? The alleged problems have… Read more »
The re-imposed lockdown restrictions have meant that it is now even more difficult to physically visit loved ones in care homes. We have all heard upsetting stories on the news about people being isolated, and even being “stolen” from care homes because family members are so desperate for unrestricted contact with their loved ones. In… Read more »
Business Property Relief (BPR) provides relief from inheritance tax on the transfer of relevant business assets. It was established to provide the UK’s SME sector with some protection in the event of the death of the principal business owner. It aims to help businesses and beneficiaries to continue trading when faced with an inheritance tax… Read more »
Q&A: My father has recently passed and I am the executor of his estate. He had a lot of personal effects, which my relatives are squabbling over. What should I do? These personal effects are called chattels. As executor, it is your duty to collect his personal effects and distribute them to the beneficiaries of the Will…. Read more »
The recent case of Wales v Dixon 2020 highlights the importance of giving clear instructions when making a Will to ensure that your wishes are carried out following death and it is clear who inherits your estate. Helen Gowin, Head of Estate Administration at SAS Daniels LLP outlines the case. Mr Wales died in 2015… Read more »
Common sense would suggest that there will probably be a spike in contentious probate disputes following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the higher numbers of deaths than usual. Research suggests that, in light of the Government’s social distancing rules, many people may have written a Will and had it witnessed ‘remotely’. Section 9 of the Wills… Read more »
It is commonly known that if you give away assets in your lifetime, you must survive 7 years before the gift falls outside your estate and would qualify for inheritance tax exemption. A less well-known relief allows you to make regular gifts, provided it is out of your surplus income, which would not fall within… Read more »
Ageing Well Without Children (AWWOC) was launched to provide advice and guidance to those who are concerned about growing older without children, whilst also helping with the tasks that become increasingly difficult as we age. Whilst having children is certainly no guarantee that they will be able to (or, in some cases, want to) provide… Read more »
Justine Clowes, Partner and Head of the Private Client Group, uses a real-life case study to demonstrate the importance of a lasting power of attorney, and why you shouldn’t leave one until it becomes too late as it may not be enforceable once the donor has become mentally incapable. A year or so ago, Mr… Read more »
If you own a property with other people, the way you own it together will be important no more so when one of the owners dies. If there is a mortgage on the property, further complications may arise as to who takes over the debt. A property can be owned jointly – either as joint… Read more »
