Unfortunately, recent times have brought the importance of making a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney to the forefront of people’s minds. I often hear people say that they are ‘too  young’ or ‘do not have sufficient assets’ to make a Will, and although these statements might be true in that specific moment in time, […]

Following our blog in July regarding the video-witnessing of Wills, the Statutory Instrument the Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 was laid before Parliament last week. The Wills Act 1837 requires that a Will must be executed by a testator in the presence of two witnesses, who must be present at the […]

On 25th July, the government announced that the rules regarding how a Will can be signed and witnessed are being amended in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, the law stated that a Will must be signed in front of two independent witnesses who were present at the time the Will was signed. If the […]

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which formally appoints people to make decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to do so yourself, due to physical or mental incapacity. These decisions can be in relation to your financial matters, your business and also your health and welfare. There is […]

In 2017 the Government introduced a proposed rise in probate fees. Originally they proposed fees of up to £20,000 for an Estate over £2m. However, the proposals were subsequently reassessed at a new rate of up to £6,000 for an estate over £2m. The fee for a Grant of Probate, or Letters of Administration, had […]

The number of people taking out Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) is on the increase, and there is no doubt that appointing Attorneys to deal with your finances is invaluable if you lose capacity to manage your affairs. However, if you have been appointed as an Attorney it can be a daunting prospect having to […]

Many of us have assets in other countries, for example a holiday home in the sun or a bank account abroad. However if you do have assets abroad, it is important that you consider these when you are planning your Estate. Making a Will Planning ahead by making a Will, gives you the opportunity to […]

As the use of cash for everyday purchases diminishes, and the use of contactless cards and mobile pay tools become the norm, it is becoming clear that charities will need to adapt and move away from traditional fundraising techniques. Interestingly, in their March 2018 report the Charities Aid Foundation also found that although the amount […]

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) dictates how an attorney can act in relation to making gifts of the Donor’s assets; these rules apply to situations where the attorney is acting under an Enduring Power of Attorney and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). If the Donor has the mental capacity to make the gift […]

At present, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for health and welfare allows a donor to decide whether they give consent for their attorneys to make decisions regarding their life sustaining treatment. However, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) brought a case in front of the Court involving the possible registration of a series of […]

Around the world over 150,000 die every day and as space for traditional burials becomes sparse (it is estimated that half of the UK’s cemeteries will be full by 2020) cremation has been the growing alternative; seen as potentially more eco-friendly, practical, and inexpensive alternative. Yet the first of these may not actually be true, […]

It is common for us to sit and chat over a cup of tea about what one person has heard or been told, but is it always right to take tax advice from a friend over a cup of tea? Recently, I was sat on a train and I overheard a conversation where one lady […]