Posts tagged “Executors”

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HMRC increases IHT investigations

Posted on 24th February 2026
Investigations have identified estates which have underpaid inheritance tax (IHT). As a result, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reclaimed £millions of payments. 
 
The process includes obtaining information from government bodies and other agencies including the Land Registry and the Trust Registration Service. Discrepancies in information from different sources will help to identify underpayments. 
Increasing prices for family homes mean more estates will pay inheritance tax.
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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. 
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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. 
Just like a tree growing in a forest your family tree has important roots in the past for inheritance purposes.
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Probate delays still continue

Posted on 25th April 2024
The probate process takes a long time after you've laid flowers on a loved one's gravestone.
Concerns continue about probate application delays. The government says it has put measures in place to speed up the probate process. 
 
Despite the government’s target to complete probate applications within 16 weeks, delays mean it can still take up to a year. 
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Dealing with bereavement

Posted on 27th October 2023
When you lose a close friend or family member you must deal with your grief and many practical issues too. 
 
If you’re an executor for your loved one’s estate this is a very challenging time. Although it’s a necessary administrative process it’s sometimes confusing and stressful. 
As this couple standing in a graveyard know bereavement is difficult.
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Make sure your assets aren’t lost when you die

Posted on 12th October 2022
Using a smartphone and digital account is common but leaves little evidence of your assets when you die
Moving to online banking and turning off paper statements is convenient and popular. However, it’s easy to forget that this means there’s very little to tell your loved ones where your assets are when you die. 
 
If they don’t have access to your digital devices and account details they might never find what you have left behind. 
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