Think about the last time you uploaded a picture to an online platform (such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) or when you accessed your online shopping account to purchase your weekly groceries. Many of us conduct these tasks instinctively and if we happen to forget our passwords, we simply contact the provider, verify that we […]

In recent years the Law Commission have made clear their view that the law relating to Wills should be updated and brought into the modern age. While this is still under review, the circumstances of the recent case of Ubbi v Ubbi [2018] EWHC 1396 (Ch) brings this issue back to the forefront; highlighting the […]

The recent case of Thompson v Raggett has highlighted the risks of cutting a cohabitee out of your will. In this case Ms Thompson had lived with her partner, Mr Hodge, for over 40 years. Over the years Mr Hodge had made several wills in which Ms Thompson was a beneficiary however in his last […]

In January the case of Sargeant v Sargeant decided that after 10 years since Probate was granted for her husband, the Claimant (Mrs Mary Sargeant) did not have permission to bring a claim against her husband’s estate. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, commonly referred to as the 1975 Act, allows for […]

Today will see 150 family lawyers travel to Westminster to meet with their MP in a campaign for no fault divorce. The campaign is run by Resolution, a 6,500 strong organisation that believes in a non-confrontational approach to family law. So what is meant by no fault divorce and why is this so important? As […]

Whilst we deal with our bank accounts, property etc in our wills, the repeated question is what happens to our online accounts and assets upon our death? These accounts and assets can include our Paypal accounts, online gambling accounts, Facebook posts and pictures, iTunes and Kindle books. In the Digital Death Survey 2015, 75% of […]

Often when dealing with will or beneficiary disputes we hear claims of the deceased, in their final days, telling their family and friends what they want them to have when they die, even if this contradicts their will or the intestacy rules. If someone is or believes themselves to be close to death they may […]

Recent headlines of the rich and famous (reportedly Bruce Willis) taking on Apple in the fight to be able to leave digital assets to loved ones on death certainly makes for good reading but just what is someone’s right to pass on digital assets on their death? There is currently no statutory provision or case […]

Following the Tory election victory in May, Chancellor George Osborne announced his intention to introduce changes to the inheritance tax rules. Currently, each person can leave £325,000 free of inheritance tax (the ‘nil rate band’) and therefore a married couple (or civil partners) can pass on a total of £650,000 between them free of inheritance tax. […]

With just hours to go until the General Election, the voting public will be weighing up a whole range of issues before deciding which party to vote for. One particular issue that is likely to play its part is inheritance tax. Inheritance tax, or death duty as it is commonly known, applies (broadly speaking) when […]

If you promise to do only one thing for yourself this year, why not plan for your future by making a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney. Wills Writing a Will is one of the most important arrangements a person can make during their lifetime. By writing a Will, you ensure that upon death your […]

Plaque found in the brain of Alzheimers patients has been cleared by a cancer drug tested on mice. There are many years of research still to carry out before it can be seen if this really will help with dementia. In the meantime Did you know if you suffer a stroke or your understanding fails […]