Wills, probate, tax and trusts
A leading authority questions the use of a Lasting Power of Attorney – our view
Denzil Lush, a recently retired senior judge has condemned the Ministry of Justice for promoting Lasting Powers of Attorneys and has vowed never to sign one himself. Our expert explores his view and advises on the benefits of having an LPA in place. More …
Lasting Powers of Attorney: practical pitfalls – part 2: business interests
Lots of people know what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is and how it can help, especially in the sad but increasingly common scenario whereby a friend or family member has lost capacity to understand and make their own decisions. More …
Lasting Powers of Attorney: Practical pitfalls
In part one of our 'practical pitfalls' blog, we consider the making of an LPA or acting as an attorney, what obstacles might you need to overcome. More …
Making of Wills to be brought in to 21st Century
The Law Commission is discussing proposals to bring Will-making into the 21st century. One day you might be able to use your smartphone to record your wishes and instructions about what will happen to your estate when you die. More …
The rise and fall of Inheritance Tax
How will Inheritance Tax affect your plans to downsize your home? The government has advised that the Nil Rate band amount will be frozen at £325,000 until tax year 2020/21. Our expert explains the impact this will have on home owners. More …
When families fall out and what it means on death…
If you have had a falling out with a family member then you need to make sure you have created a Will. Even if you aren't on speaking terms, they could still inherit from you under the Intestacy Rules unless if you have not left a Will. More …
Lifetime gifts to children – don’t get caught out
Making lifetime gifts to children can be sensible inheritance tax planning, however, there are plenty of non-tax related issues to think about too such as the presumption against double portions. More …
Conservative manifesto: Is the cost of living now more than the cost of dying?
The question of funding care for the elderly was welcome among the five 'giant challenges' at the centre of Theresa May's speech launching the Conservative Party manifesto. More …
Silver-splitters – considerations if separating later in life
With divorce rates in the over 50s, the so called “silver-splitters”, increasing faster than any other age group, we look at the issues that couples divorcing later in life may need to consider. More …
Protecting others with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Our blog looks at Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) when it comes to moving someone into a care home. More …