If you own property in the UK, rising house prices could mean your inheritance tax bills will be higher than you expect. As property values increase, more estates exceed the tax-free thresholds. This means you or your family may owe significant inheritance tax unless careful planning is done. The thresholds for inheritance tax have stayed […]

If you are an unmarried couple living together in the UK, it’s important to understand that you do not have the same automatic legal rights as married couples when it comes to inheritance and estate matters. Without proper estate planning, your partner could face financial difficulties or lose access to shared assets if you pass […]

Knowing when to review and update your will is essential to ensure it always reflects your current wishes. You should review your will every three to five years and after any major life event like getting married, divorced, having children, or moving house. This keeps your will valid and relevant to your situation. Major changes […]

Your estate plan is a vital document that governs how your assets and wishes are managed. Life is full of changes, and knowing when to review your estate plan ensures it stays up to date and reflects your current situation. Without regular checks, outdated plans can lead to confusion or unintended consequences for your loved […]

If you are a UK resident with assets abroad, estate planning can quickly become complicated. Different countries have their own rules on inheritance, tax, and the validity of wills. To ensure your international assets are passed on according to your wishes, you need a clear plan that considers these cross-border differences. Simply including overseas property […]

Protecting your business interests through effective estate planning is essential to ensure your company continues to thrive even when you are no longer involved. An estate plan helps you avoid conflicts, minimise tax liabilities, and guarantees a smooth transfer of ownership and control. This allows your business to remain stable and preserves its value for […]

Creating a comprehensive estate plan means combining wills, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed. By using all three tools, you can manage how your property is distributed, avoid lengthy legal processes, and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable […]

When planning your estate as a couple in the UK, choosing between Mirror Wills and Single Wills is a key decision that affects how your assets are passed on and how your wishes are honoured. If you and your partner share similar goals for your estate, Mirror Wills can offer a straightforward and cost-effective way […]

If you want to reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries will have to pay, using gifts and trusts is an effective approach. Gifting assets during your lifetime, especially if you survive for seven years after making the gift, can remove those assets from your estate and lower your tax bill. This works because […]

Planning for later life care costs can be complex, especially if you become unable to manage your finances yourself. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf, ensuring your care costs and bills are properly handled even if you lose mental capacity. This legal […]

Many people misunderstand what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) really is and how it works. This can lead to confusion about who can make decisions, when those decisions take effect, and what types of powers an LPA covers. An LPA is a legal document that allows someone to appoint a trusted person to make […]

Losing mental capacity without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place creates a difficult situation. No one automatically has the legal right to make decisions on behalf of the person who has lost capacity. This means that family members or friends cannot act unless they have been formally appointed or given authority by the […]

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for business owners is a crucial tool that lets someone else manage their company if they become unable to do so. It ensures the business keeps running smoothly without interruption, protecting both its value and reputation. Without an LPA, the company could face delays or legal problems if the […]

Mirror wills are often seen as a convenient way for couples to plan their estates together. However, they can sometimes lead to unexpected problems, especially when circumstances change or when one partner passes away. Mirror Wills can backfire if they are not drafted carefully, resulting in disputes or unintended consequences that may harm the surviving […]

Couples who want to protect their assets and reduce inheritance tax often consider mirror wills. These are paired wills made by two people, usually spouses or civil partners, that have nearly identical terms. Mirror wills help couples plan together to pass on their estate efficiently, often reducing inheritance tax by ensuring assets are passed to […]

There are two main types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and choosing the right one depends on what decisions a person wants someone else to make for them. One type covers health and welfare decisions, while the other deals with property and financial matters. Knowing which type of LPA is needed helps avoid confusion […]

When one partner changes a mirror will after the other has died, it is usually allowed and can be done without legal issues. The surviving partner has the right to update or completely change their Will even if it means breaking the original agreement of the mirror will. This means the original mirror will does […]

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is an essential part of any wealth plan because it ensures someone trusted can manage financial and health decisions if the individual cannot. Without an LPA, loved ones may face delays or legal difficulties when trying to act on a person’s behalf, especially during unexpected situations like illness or […]

  Mirror wills can be a practical choice for couples who want a simple, joint approach to estate planning. They allow both partners to make nearly identical wills, usually leaving their assets to each other first, and then to their children or other beneficiaries after both have passed. For many modern families, mirror wills offer […]

Many people misunderstand what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) really is and how it works. This can lead to confusion about who can make decisions, when those decisions take effect, and what types of powers an LPA covers. An LPA is a legal document that allows someone to appoint a trusted person to make […]