Will the budget abolish the residence nil rate band for inheritance tax?

Posted on 11th October 2024

Abolishing the £175,000 residence nil-rate band (RNRB) is a possibility in the budget on 30th October. The government might also consider other amendments to the inheritance tax (IHT) system.

House prices are going up but inheritance tax thresholds are unchanged so more families must pay.

The importance of attesting witnesses

Posted on 26th September 2024

A gavel and screens in a courtroom - Attesting witnesses should attend court if there's a dispute about a Will.

Recently two sisters went to the High Court due to a dispute about their mother’s Will.

When someone makes a Will they must sign it and then witnesses must confirm or ‘attest’ they believe the signature is theirs. They must also sign the Will.

Traditionally, when a Will is challenged the attesting witnesses come to court to give evidence. In this case the Court had to re-examine this rule.

Getting married? Make a new Will

Posted on 11th September 2024

When you marry your existing Will becomes invalid, so creating a new Will is important. If you don’t make a new Will the laws of intestacy will apply, and your loved ones might not receive your bequests.

If you will soon be exchanging wedding vows and rings you should also write a new Will.

Why having a valid Will is important for parents

Posted on 23rd August 2024

Parents with young children should include them in their Wills.

Every year, thousands of children under the age of 18 lose one of their parents. As long as both parents are co-guardians then their remaining parent can look after them.

However, more than half of the UK’s parents don’t have a valid Will. They might not have one at all or they have one that’s out of date.

What is Willanthropy?

Posted on 12th August 2024

Willanthropy is a word you might not know – it’s the act of leaving a gift to charity in your Will. This year’s Remember A Charity Week is from 9th to 15th September, so it’s a good time to think about it.

Like this woman sitting on a park bench, you might be thinking about leaving a gift to charity in your Will.

Can family members and dependants make claims on your estate?

Posted on 25th July 2024

Family members and dependants can make a claim on your estate when you die, even if they're not included in your Will.

Someone can make a legal claim on your estate when you die, even if they’re not included in your Will.

Find out why LPA certificate providers are so important

Posted on 11th July 2024

It’s important to follow all the right steps when you set up your Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). If there’s any doubt about their validity the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) will make a decision. This applies to LPAs for both your financial affairs and your health and welfare.

Signing an LPA certificate is an important role.

Looking after your Will

Posted on 26th June 2024

A fire-proof filing box can keep important documents safe, like your Will.

Once you’ve confirmed the details in your Will and it’s properly signed and witnessed what should happen next?

It’s easy to forget how important it is, after taking the trouble to write your Will, to keep it safe and make sure it’s easy to find.

Why your family tree matters

Posted on 11th June 2024

Exploring your family history is an increasingly popular hobby in the UK.

You can search for your ancestors on many different databases online from the comfort of your own home.

Many people are fascinated by their family’s origins. You might find you’re descended from an historic figure or a rogue, but it’s quite exciting to know more. You might even find connections in other parts of the world.