Make your wishes clear, and known
Death is one of the most emotional subjects, and many do not like to address the issues surrounding their last wishes and the arrangements. But the plain fact is that everyone will die, at some point, so I am always…
Budget July 2015- Main Residence Nil Rate Band
Following the recent budget, the government announced that the current individual nil rate band (tax free amount), in respect of inheritance tax, will now remain fixed at £325,000 until April 2021. In addition to…
The Cost Of Care Home Accommodation
If you need help to pay for your place in a care home, the local authority will do a financial assessment to work out how much you should pay towards the cost of your support. They take your income and capital into…
Powers Of Attorney
There may come a time in your life when you need help dealing with your day to day affairs. A Power of Attorney is a document under which you can give another person the legal power to assist you. Enduring Powers…
Do I Need A Probate?
One of the most frequent search terms used by people landing on our website is "Do I need probate?", so I thought it might be interesting to have a brief look at when probate is required and why. Probate is the…
Married, Civil Partners, Divorced, Single......? Make A Will.
29th March 2015 marks the first anniversary of same sex marriage. This is a step on from the right to enter into a civil partnership, which came into effect ten years ago in December 2005. Same sex couples, whether…
Handing over the reins if you can't cope
As life expectancy increases, governments and individuals face new realities that come with improved longevity. Some of the most complex decisions are over finances, particularly for those who lose their independence…
Saving for Children
Parents and grandparents find that putting aside wealth for when children grow up is as powerful a motivation for saving as is providing for their own old age. The financial advantages of placing assets with…
Wills, do I really need one and where do I start?
Many of us shy away from making a Will, for some it can seem rather a depressing topic and for others they may think that they do not have enough assets to justify making a Will or that, "everything will just go…
Intestacy rights for some cohabitees and children
Earlier this month the Law Commission made recommendations as to changes to the rules as to what happens to a persons estate should they die without making a will and in particular as to the rights of cohabitees…
