Wills, probate, tax and trusts
Bank of Mum and Dad: University Purchase
Our experts take a look at issues arising where parents buy a property whilst a child of the family is at university. Stamp duty land tax, income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax are considered for various ownership structures, including trust arrangements. More …
Simple is not necessarily better when making a Will
We at Blake Morgan have blogged before on the importance of making a Will if you want to control what happens to your estate after death. But what actually makes a Will a 'good' or 'proper' one that does what you want it to do? Is legal jargon necessary? More …
Mary Poppins Returns - a hidden probate message?
We take a look at what the role of a probate lawyer could have done in Mary Poppins Returns. The film would have been less exciting but any family law issues would have been resolved and the Banks family would have had peace of mind! More …
Why you won't be able to swear in front of a solicitor for too much longer
The Government has recently announced changes to the procedure for applying for a grant of probate in England and Wales. The Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2018 ('the New Rules') form part of the Government's continuing project to modernise the probate process. More …
Digital assets and making a will
In January 2018 a unique, mint condition item was put up for sale in an online auction house and generated a huge amount of interest. We take a look at digital assets in more detail. More …
An increase in Probate fees set to be introduced in April 2019
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice Lucy Frazer QC MP has recently announced that she has put new legislation before Parliament, which if implemented, would introduce a new, banded structure of fees (depending on the value of the estate) for obtaining a grant of probate. More …
The Postcode Lottery
Inheritance tax (IHT) was originally intended as a tax on the wealthiest, but last year the Revenue claimed £5.2 billion in IHT, 60% more than five years ago. One of the reasons for this is the rise in property prices, with property hotspots like London bearing the biggest financial burden, and an IHT threshold that has not increased since 2009. More …
2018 Budget (somewhat) resurrects previously-scrapped changes to probate court fees
Back in early 2017, a government consultation into a change in probate court fees took place. Thankfully, this change ultimately never transpired. The most recent Budget heralds a second attempt. What are the differences this time? More …
Online Wills - cheap, but not always cheerful
Recent statistics suggest that as many as 60% of UK adults do not have a Will*. Common reasons given include concern over drafting costs and simple procrastination. Could the internet provide a solution to yet another key aspect of life? More …
Doing nothing is dangerous...
…or at least, it can be when it comes to probate matters – especially on the first death of a couple in a civil partnership or marriage More …