Gifts to Charities

After the first UK lockdown, the Law Society carried out a survey and found that only 20% of people with a Will named a charity as a beneficiary. Did you know that you don’t pay inheritance tax on gifts to qualifying charities?  And did you know that, even if inheritance tax has to be paid…

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Will Aid 2020

As a small, local law firm we’re absolutely chuffed to have taken part in Will Aid 2020.  Thank you to everyone who donated!

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Paying inheritance tax – is there a choice?

Some people think that inheritance tax is really unfair.  You work hard to put a roof over your head and some money in the bank (not to mention the tax you’ve been paying your whole life).  All that, just for the taxman to take another bite when you pop your clogs.  But did you know:…

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Top tip for Executors: check that the Will is valid!

Don’t just take someone’s word for it – look at the Will with your own eyes and think: Has it actually been signed by the Will-maker (aka the “Testator”)? Are there two witness signatures? Are these witnesses also beneficiaries (or the husband/wife/civil partner of a beneficiary) in the Will? Can you see the special “Attestation…

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What’s the point of a Lasting Power of Attorney?

If you have a Will, you’ve made it clear what should happen to your home, your money and your personal items after you’ve gone.  You’ve named at least one Executor to take care of things, for the benefit of those left behind. But who should deal with your finances when you’re still alive but perhaps…

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I would like to change my Will

If you’re thinking about making amendments to your Will, consider these three options: Manually changing your Will is a very risky business! If you scribble notes on your Will or cross parts of it out, you’re probably going to cause problems for Probate.  Handwritten alterations can be made to a Will but generally, this option isn’t…

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