It has been estimated that 250,000 people go missing in the UK every year. For the friends and family of those people, the distress and uncertainty they must feel is almost unimaginable. Unfortunately, the mundane realities of life can quickly escalate to make the situation even worse. Bills need paying and property needs looking after. If …
Looking after the Property & Affairs of a Missing Person Read More »
New rules have just come in to force which could save you money on Inheritance Tax. On 6th April 2017, it became possible to apply a Residential Nil Rate Band (RNRB) to your estate upon death. Using the RNRB can allow you to pass a greater amount to your loved ones without paying tax on …
Act Now, Save Tax Later: Your Estate and the Residential Nil Rate Band Read More »
In previous articles, (here and here) we discussed how the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (IPFDA) can allow claims to be made against someone’s estate. Such claims seek ‘reasonable financial provision’ from the estate and, if successful, can alter the effects of someone’s Will. They can also alter what happens when there is …
Today, the UK Supreme Court finally settled a long-running Will dispute. The Will of Melita Jackson has been at the centre of a prominent case, widely known as Ilott v Mitson [2017] UKSC 17. The Supreme Court’s judgment comes nearly 13 years after Mrs Jackson’s death. And the result? To reinstate a court order made …
Ilott v Mitson: The Supreme Court Ends a Long Will Dispute Read More »
When someone believes they have been disinherited or ‘cut out of a Will’ it can lead to all kinds of strong emotions flaring up. This is one of the reasons why crime writers love using such events as a motive for murder! In reality, however, there are legal courses of action people can take. One …
There are many reasons why a person might wish, or need, to sell their property; perhaps to downsize to a smaller house or to help finance residential care. This is easily done if the person is willing and mentally capable of dealing with the paperwork, admin and other demands of the sale. But what if …
Lasting Powers of Attorney: Can I Sell Property on Someone’s Behalf? Read More »
Another legal challenge to a Will has hit the headlines recently; Iain Hayward brought a claim disputing the validity of a Will made by his late father, Jack. Whilst Iain was to inherit a number of items, including an antique harp, his grounds for complaint were that none of his late father’s £1.3 million fortune …
Highly Strung: A Family Dispute over a Harpist’s Will Read More »
We are always being asked about ways to reduce the amount of inheritance tax that has to be paid on death. However, whilst tax-saving methods can make a lot of financial sense, they don’t exactly make a lot of headlines. Finding out about the various reliefs and exemptions can be difficult. Nonetheless, it is important …
A New Way to Save Inheritance Tax in 2017: the Residence Nil Rate Band Read More »
There is no legal requirement for a solicitor to be involved when making a Will; ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Will kits and online services provided by unqualified or unregulated businesses are commonplace. Yet a recent case has highlighted just how vital a role that solicitors can play in the Will-making process. Whilst the benefits of having a highly-qualified …
Recently, there have been several high-profile cases involving successful legal challenges to Wills by disinherited family members. One case you may have heard of is Ilott v Mitson[2015] EWCA Civ 797. The way these cases are often portrayed might lead you to believe such challenges cannot fail. However, the more recent case of Ames v …
Claim for Financial Provision is Undone by Unemployment Read More »
